The Weather and the Words in Passing : Page 230

A conversationalist ought to go prowling about looking for good things to comment on, and to effect by-passes for unfavorable ones. Every casual meeting ought to furnish him with an outlet for good news. However, while eagerly telling of others' luck and being silent about their hard luck, your attitude will be reversed concerning your own affairs. Regarding any personal good fortune you will rather wait for others to compliment you. If they do not know of it, you will according to the principle of keeping one another up to date, modestly tell of it. As regards any ill, you will not advertise that either, but if they know of it or are likely to hear of it anyhow, then, you will rather proceed to mention it yourself.