Ms Manners - Everyday Manners

Ladies First

Though not practiced as much in modern day, I would still want my son to learn how to let the ladies go first.

It is always a pleasant surprise when a man lets me use the bathroom first on the airplane or when boarding a bus.

I enjoy watching a gentleman giving up his seat to a lady.

I thank these gentlemen gratefully.

In a narrow passage way, a lady should walk first unless the road is on rocky ground, or if he needs to leave the way.

When doing so, he may place his hand under her elbow appropriately.

When walking beside a road, ladies should allow gentlemen to walk on outside nearest the road, according to tradition.

It is good etiquette for a man to stand aside and allow a woman to pas through an open door ahead of him.

If the door is closed, he reaches forward and opens the door for her. However, if it is a heavy door, it makes more sense for him to step ahead and push the door open, leading the lady through it.

Ladies should always say thank you and smile, to encourage more of these behaviour!

Any courteous person holds a door open for the person following him or her. It is extremely rude to let a door slam behind.

Gallantry is always in style.

What Do You Think Of Your Personal Image?

Emily Post says, "these are some things that present an image of who we are to others, and if we are sloppy in performing them, this image may well be other than we would like it to be."

Ms Manners etiquette must a higher priority in the past.

Girls are sent to finishing schools. Etiquette and manners are taught rigidly at home by elegant mothers.

A Personal Experiment

If you can, have yourself videotaped for a couple minutes doing just a few everyday things.

Sit and stand. Walk. Eat. Talk. Laugh. Smile. Tell a joke.

You'll be amazed to find unconscious behaviours, little gestures that you aren't aware of.

For instance, I have this habit of wobbling my head slightly especially when I laugh. I also have a slight bob. I don't like it. It is unsightly. It is ungainly.

Do a self analysis and find out what good habits you'll like to develop.

Mirror and video camera on the wall, can you tell me what I need to work on?

I think I don't have to mention examples of elegant women with poise? We all have somebody in our mind whose elegance we admire.

What I Wish I Knew Long Ago

There are somethings that I wish our mothers or teachers had told us!

A person who stands and sit straight looks better. But she also needs to move fluidly to have a graceful carriage.

A common bad habit is a round-shouldered slouch, with head thrust forward and stomach left to 'hang out'.

Graceful standing and walking consists of, shoulders back, chin in and slightly up, abdomen and stomach in, back straight and knees relaxed. Arms should swing naturally.

How did Audrey Hepburn, one of the most elegant women of all, attain beautiful carriage and posture?

According to one biographer, her grandmother tied her neck to the back of her chair at the table, so she would not slump over her food, but rather would learn to put only small amounts of food on her spoon to bring to her mouth.

When we practice enough, good carriage and posture becomes instinctive.

Ms Manners Of Being A Good Neighbour

These days, we are living in closer proximity with our neighbours.

How to be a good neighbour