Act Like A Lady: 5 Etiquette Rules That Still Apply Today

”Being a woman, doesn’t automatically make you a lady’. Etiquette rules seem long gone in most parts of our society, but some of them still apply today. When most people hear the word ‘lady’ they think of a boring old-fashioned, female, who forgot how to have fun and is not successful or ambitious. Especially with role models like Kim Kardashian, being a lady is not something that most young females aspire to be.

Although knowing and practising the etiquette rules doesn’t automatically make you a lady, they certainly are a big part of it. Being a lady, what we believe, simply means having etiquette, self-respect, class and appreciation (so maybe more people aspire to be a lady although they don’t know the full meaning of it). You know how to act in all situations and enjoy the different aspects of life.

CGD gives you 5 etiquette rules that still apply today. And you really don’t have to be born with the silver spoon in your mouth to be able to practice these.

1. Watch your language

Of course, most people have their own little swear words and some even have a really foul mouth, but that doesn’t mean everybody appreciates it. Know your audience and know what language you can use when, this is something a lady needs to be aware of. It is not really appropriate or lady-like to swear when you are in certain settings (can’t really think of any situation where it actually is appropriate), so be mindful of your language and adapt to the situation.

2. Keep your promises

We all know a person who never keeps her promises, and we all know how annoying that is. Don’t be that person and practise what you preach. People should know that your word is your bond and be able to trust you.

3. First impressions

Often the foundation of somebody else’s perception of you. There’s only one chance at making a good first impression, so make sure you do your best to be remembered as the woman with the award-winning smile and not the girl who loves guacamole a little  too much, (a story given away by the crumbs and stains on that top you decided to “just chuck on to pop out in quickly”) once the damage is done, you could be facing an uphill battle to win over your new-found peer. Be approachable and have a positive attitude towards people, there’s always a chance you don’t really know who you’re entertaining.

4. Phone on silent and in your bag

Although I know it is really rude to always have your phone in your hand, I am so guilty of this one. When you have company, your phone should be in your bag on silent. When you expect a call, you inform your company before hand that you might receive an important call, other than that, phone gone!

5. Dress to impress

Look the part and dress to impress, this can be a serious make or break situation. Dressing well and dressing appropriately are two completely different things, so as much as you love that brand new maxi dress you got yourself for summer, wearing it along to an interview hardly seems like the right time or place to show it off. On the other hand, if you are unsure of specific dress requirements its always best to, in my opinion, go overdressed instead of the other way around, after all, is there REALLY such a thing as being dressed too well? Presentation says a lot about a person, so always make sure your clothes are freshly cleaned (we all know about those “foundation on blouse” occasions) and looking crisp, ironed to perfection.