the concept of socialites dates to the 18th and 19th century. most of the earliest socialites were wives or mistresses of royalty or nobility, but being a socialite was more a duty and a means of survival than a form of pleasure. bashful queens were often forced to play gracious and wealthy hostess to people who despised them. mistresses had to pay for their social reputation and had to use their social skills to obtain favor in the court and retain the interest of their lovers.