something.
2007-09-05 09:47:04 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
con·grat·u·la·tion (kən-grāch'ə-lā'shən, -grāj'-, kəng-) Pronunciation Key
n.
The act of expressing joy or acknowledgment, as for the achievement or good fortune of another.
So it is not just when someone accomplish something that you use the word you use it when you feel happy for them Like you say congrats when someone gets pergnant also
2007-09-05 09:53:38 · answer #1 · answered by Big Daddy R 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It is an ancient custom, left over from the age where marriage was not an affair of the heart, it was a political negotiation, involving doweries and bride prices, uniting families, countries, and estates by a marriage.
A person told the groom congratulations, because his suit has been accepted by the bride's father. A person told the bride best wishes, because her family did the choosing, and were wishing her good luck with the choice.
The above rule still holds true, congrats are to the groom, and best wishes given to the bride, even though they may well have reached the decision to marry together.
2007-09-05 17:10:43 · answer #2 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's polite to congratulate people on landmark events in their lives. An engagement is certainly that. So is getting married, having babies, and turning 50.
2007-09-05 18:46:51 · answer #3 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to friends, you ask a person,
"How long have you two been friends?", "We've been friends 5 years now, we met blah blah bah". The reply is, "Oh that's interesting". But when it comes to a partner, and people ask "How long have you been with your partner/spouse", if you say even just a year, it's like "Wow! That's great!!"
They didn't "just say yes". They were with their partner for a long time.
It's a different reaction when a person is engaged after only a few months.
2007-09-05 16:51:38 · answer #4 · answered by word 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because it's not just a 'yes' it's a commitment to their partner that they will stay with them until marriage at which point they will stay with them till death. it takes a lot of gumption to ask a person's hand in marriage as well. i know i've done it and been turned down...
2007-09-05 17:16:11 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally accepted practice is 'Congratulations' for the groom, 'Best Wishes' for the bride.
2007-09-05 17:03:33 · answer #6 · answered by Ice 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually respond with "I'm sorry" then I chuckle and we laugh about it.
2007-09-05 16:57:27 · answer #7 · answered by Wendy B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's just customary. What are you gonna say? "Sorry to hear that"? LOL
2007-09-05 16:53:38 · answer #8 · answered by Mrs. Pickles the lunch lady 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They hooked the guy, now they can let their looks go.
2007-09-05 16:53:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
duh, making the big life changing decision of getting married.
2007-09-05 16:55:16 · answer #10 · answered by justme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋