Being a Lady

1. Dress the part: You don’t have to wear a suit or dress but a lady always wears clean, coordinated clothing – free of wrinkles. No sweat pants! All clothes should fit properly – not too baggy, not too tight. Always wear underwear and a bra. One is not ever considered classy if she exposes an intimate body part,(showing cleavage , etc.). A lady will dress for her body type and not try to get ahead using her physical attributes. Do not “cheapen” your appearance with multiple piercings or tattoos.
2. Cleanliness is key: Shower on a regular basis. Blow-dry and style hair before leaving your house. Apply a subtle amount of perfume. Apply a modest amount of make-up or just enough to cover skin imperfections and to accent your strong points. Your beauty should look effortless. Smile!
3. Choose your words wisely: What you say and how you say it are two very important factors in exuding class. Always speak at a soft to moderate tone–you shouldn’t need to raise your voice. If you’re dealing with a person who won’t listen unless you speak forcefully, then they aren’t worth dealing with. If you have nothing good to say then don’t say anything at all – take that to heart! Cursing or “dirty” jokes are also inappropriate.
4. Actions speak louder than words: Now that you look the part, you should act it too. For example, pull your skirt under your legs when sitting down. Always sit with legs together or, if you must cross them, crossed only at the ankle and placed close to the seat, slightly to a side of you. Do not overindulge in food and avoid alcohol at a party or business function. Gluttony or drunkenness shows one’s lack of self-control and can cause a loss of respect or potentially embarrassing moment in front of your peers. Burping or passing gas in the presence of others is bad etiquette as well.
5. Sharpen your mind: Keep yourself informed of world events, politics, selected movies, plays, and music. Being cultured expands one’s knowledge and interests, while opening doors to stimulating conversations with new people that can develop into meaningful business or romantic relationships.
6. Practice martyr-free modesty: In everything she does, a lady will acknowledge those who helped her before she takes any credit for herself. A lady will not flaunt herself, her valuables, or her accomplishments. A good reputation can surpass all of those things. Do not correct others unless they ask your advice. Do not act like you are better than anyone else. A lady is not self-absorbed. But be careful not to seem overly modest–do not be weak and submissive. You are too intelligent and classy for that.
7. Never lose your cool: Don’t let people get under your skin, no matter how much they try. Keep your composure. Express your surprise or disappointment at someone’s behavior in a gentle way to show that their actions have affected you and to show that you have feelings, or else people might think you’re cold or heartless. Drug or alcohol use reduces self control. Avoid them!
8. Be well mannered. Manners are a necessity to being ladylike. Don’t tell or listen to “dirty” jokes; if someone in your presence starts to tell one, politely excuse yourself and leave the situation. Read up on books that teach etiquette and always be nice to everyone, but at the same time, don’t be a doormat. You have no responsibility for your heritage, so you should not be judged by that. However, you will, and should, be judged by your friends – choose them wisely.

Tips

• Many women follow these steps part-time. For example, you might need to be confident and assertive at work, but enjoy being ladylike at home. Or, you might be wild and crazy at home, but prefer to be ladylike in public. This is not a very good idea as one of the keys to being ladylike is integrity. Be a lady to everyone in every situation, but especially to those you are most intimate with.
• In an effort to say the right things, think positive and realize a better thought or response to, “whether or not the glass is half empty or half full”, is always that the glass is half full.
• Confidence is a good tip when being ladylike. Stand up tall, and show the world you are beautiful and that nothing will bring you down!