If you are a woman in today's world, you can make decisions on your own or as an equal part of a couple. You can purchase houses, buy cars, and choose fulfilling careers that enable you to move up the corporate ladder. The lines are blurring between gender rules. It means never having to back down when defending your convictions. Proper etiquette can help instill confidence in a woman:
Always
be gracious-The word gracious can be defined
as, “marked by kindness and
courtesy; characterized by charm, good taste and generosity of spirit.”
You can practice graciousness in every aspect of your life. The utmost gracious
act is always in line with following the golden rule and treating others the
way you want to be treated.
Once in awhile, I see someone doing something inconsiderate
and I simply make a mental note to be conscious of my surroundings and those
around me. The world would be a much better place if people were more
considerate. Always smile at people that you pass on the street. Most
importantly, do your best to remember the little things about someone.
Genuinely paying attention to a conversation is a must. Always go out of
your way to be kind and help others.
Always
offer to help-If you’re a guest at someone’s house, always offer to help
them. If someone is preparing dinner, ask if you can help them in any way, even
if it is just setting the table. When the meal is over, offer to help clean up.
If you see your host attempting to clean up a mess of any kind, offer your
assistance. It is also important to remember that if you’re going to offer to
help, actually do the work.
Confidence
is key-Remember that you are you, and there is no one else who
holds your unique attributes. You’re so irreplaceably valuable to the world.
You don’t have to fit any specific mold. Celebrate your talents, keep a
positive mindset, and you’ll go places. There can be a lot of uncertainty in
your life. Just keep your confidence high even if you feel it wavering. If you
truly believe you’re going to do great things, you will.
Dressing
appropriately-It’s important for your outfit to be appropriate for your
office (or the event you are attending). Fashion can be so drastically
different and fun to experiment with, but save experimentations for a night
out. This includes appropriate makeup.
Hand
written ‘thank you’ notes go a long way- Writing
letters of gratitude is a lost art, but if you hand-write the letter, it
becomes even more meaningful. Taking the time to sit down and write a short
letter shows that you are truly grateful for something someone has done for
you.
Mind
your manicure- You can have the most put-together, polished appearance,
but if you have extremely chipped nail polish, you might as well have stepped
out in sweatpants. It’s easy to let your appearance fall to the back of your
priorities in the midst of life. Always put your best in front of the others.
Table
etiquette is imperative-Your napkin belongs in your lap. If you get up to go to the
restroom, your napkin remains on your chair (not the table). Always wait for
everyone to be served before diving into your meal. Do not eat until after you
give thanks by prayer. This also happens after everyone has been served. Do not
chew with your mouth open. Do not talk when there is food in your mouth. No elbows
on the table when you are eating. It’s easy to complain about the lack of
gentlemen in today’s culture, but the lack of ladies is also alarming.
Tactfully
deal with adversaries- You do not have to be downright nasty to let someone know
that he or she should not walk all over you. This goes for pushy co-workers, or
the person in your group project who needs to get their act together.
Respectfully telling someone how you feel with a smile on your face and a
sprinkle of sass will get you much further than blowing up or resorting to
petty, passive-aggressive jabs. If someone says something that may not be
correct, normally, you should wait until a private moment to correct them. Do
not interrupt someone while they are speaking.
To post
(or not to post)- For a woman in today’s modern times, social media is slowly
becoming an extension of her existence. Always ask yourself whether or not you
think it is a good idea to post something. Don’t post it if you wouldn’t want God
seeing it (because He already has). You should keep your audience in mind and
always update your privacy settings. Social media and alcohol should be avoided
together at all costs.
Your
mood should never affect your manners-Even if you’re
having the worst day ever, you should always keep in mind that the people
you’re interacting with might not know this so you should never take it out on
them. The same goes for people you encounter who are rude to you.
You don’t know what they’re dealing with so just smile and
be polite. Maybe your positivity will rub off on them. Please and thank you are
basic manners that are ingrained in many of us at a young age by our parents.
Manners are often times drilled into every fiber of our being and they
shouldn’t wither away once we’ve grown older and become working professionals.
“Being a lady isn't just about what you wear, or what you say, it is
about the choices you make, the way you act, the way you treat others, it is
imbued in your very being.” (Anonymous)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“10 Etiquette Rules Every Modern Woman Should Know
and Practice” by Kate C.
·
“10 Lost Lady Traditions That Still Apply Today” by
Whitney E.
·
“10 Manners Every Lady Should Know And Practice” by
Catherine C.
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