Ladylike Behavior

I've been reading this blog...

http://youareagrownman.com/


... and thus far it has made a very favorable impression. Men should act like men, and someone should tell them how to go about acting like men.

I can hear my female readers nodding their heads and amen-ing. But here's where I'm going to lose some of you: if men should act like men, then women should act like women. And, girls, you know we aren't much better at being ladies than they are at being gentlemen. If you expect the men in your life to open doors, give up their seats, and offer their jackets, then you should return the favor by behaving in a manner that is worthy of their respect.

Before you say it, YES, they should behave like gentlemen regardless of how you behave. You don't OWE them ladylike behavior; similarly, they don't OWE you gentlemanly behavior. Etiquette is like unto a random act of kindness - it's your gift to society, an offering with no expectations of a reward or public recognition.

Here is a quick overview of some ladylike practices that should be observed... I'd like to promise a more in-depth look at some of them later, but you and I both know I can't stick to a topic for any extended period of time.

1. A lady observes the rules of etiquette that apply to all genders and situations: writing thank-you notes, not burping in public (yes, you CAN help it)... you get the picture.

2. A lady does not wear excessive makeup, nor does she dress immodestly.
Don't get me wrong - I love playing with makeup, I love wearing makeup, and I love trying new kinds of makeup. My general rule of thumb is to take a good, impartial, critical look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what people are going to notice first - your makeup, or your face? Makeup is an enhancement, not a mask.
Modesty is very subjective, and very individual - an outfit that looks cute on your best friend might look slutty on you. Wear clothes that fit, and keep things classy. Rule of thumb: if you wouldn't want your parents to see what you're wearing, it's entirely inappropriate.

3. A lady says "thank you" when a gentleman does something gallant (e.g. opening a door, offering his jacket, etc.) - if you want men to treat you like a lady, you should give positive reenforcement/feedback when they exhibit gentlemanly behavior. How else will they know when they get it right?

4. A lady does not treat men as though they are inferior. How would you feel if a man said women were dumb, or awkward, or jerks, or disposable, or only thought about sex? Yeah. Guys don't like it when you say it about them, either. Men are no more inferior to women than we are to them; treat them how you want to be treated. (With courtesy, I mean... DON'T treat them like ladies. They generally take offense to that.)

5. A lady does not use PMS as an excuse for bad behavior. Yes, you feel awful. No, it's not fair that men don't have to menstruate. Is this an excuse to scream at your friends, pick a fight with your man, or scowl at everyone you see on your way to work? Nooooo. It's not easy and you will not always succeed, but try to be pleasant, even though you feel like your uterus is trying to kill you.

... that's all I've got at the moment.