Sociability

Sociability is the habit or quality of being sociable — of living in harmony with other people in society.

Sociability is a virtue that results from the practice of several virtues: kindness, respect, cordiality, etc. Sociability can be seen as a part of charity.

Charity includes sociability and has a greater breadth. Sociability refers to doing good to others in one's dealings with them. Charity seeks the good of others in dealings and in other spheres. There are actions that achieve a good for others that are not related to pleasant coexistence. For example, if one obtains a financial or professional benefit for another, one would not be called sociable but simply good.

Sociability has various expressions where it can be exercised. Almost always they are related to respect and human dignity — recalling that it is men who live together, not animals or beasts. Examples:

• Sociability in the way one dresses and presents oneself. A person who lives in society must dress correctly, respecting their own dignity and that of others. This includes washing, grooming, etc.
• Sociability in the way one speaks. The sociability of speech is exercised by using language befitting the dignity of the human being. Crude, insulting, or indecorous words are to be avoided. Equally, postures and gestures must be appropriate to human dignity.
• Cultivating social relationships is another exercise in sociability. Avoiding isolationism in closed groups: only with oneself, only with these family members, or only in this environment...
• Sociability also includes taking an interest in the norms that regulate society. For example, knowing and practicing the rules of courtesy and good manners.