Basic etiquette tips for Japan? For anyone?

I saw this article Basic etiquette tips for Japan: The social rules of conduct. Those are the same basic rules that we promote on this blog. It is remarkable how much we have in common with the rest of the world. We all know that different countries have their own etiquette rules, but you will find that we have more in common than differences. The point is that basic manners are not only applicable in the USA, but you can practice them anywhere you go. Your classy behavior will be appreciated.

You should also consider that many people love American culture. American TV can be found in every country on the planet. They watch all the movies, shows, and reality TV. Everyone know what bad behavior is, and what a bad attitude looks like. Regardless of race, color, or ethnicity.

• No Eating or drinking on trains

• No Speaking in a loud voice on trains

• No Public displays of affection

There is even an older article 16 Etiquette Tips When Riding Trains In Japan. Check out the list below and you will realize that more than half are rules that we follow here in America. My favorite rule is number 16. It is truly fascinating that they would be considerate of women. As a woman you can fall victim to unwanted touches from a man in a crowded train. This is a great way for women to feel more comfortable on their commute.

1. Step off to the Side If You Cannot Get Through

2. Pay Attention to Which Side You Walk

3. Keep Your Head Up When Walking

4. Only Smoke in Designated Areas

5. Wait in Line Before Boarding

6. Let People Get off First

7. Don't Rush onto the Train

8. Move Into the Car

9. Silence Your Phone and Don't Make Phone Calls

10. Lower Your Volume

11. Refrain from Eating

12. Hold Your Bags Close to Yourself

13. Don't Take Up Too Much Space

14. Give Up Your Seat in Priority Seating

15. Avoid Rush Hour

16. Female Passengers Can Use Designated Cars

A bandage dress is not for everyone

I came across an article recently Advantages of Buying a Bandage Dress, and I could not disagree more. I am the first to say that a Lady should own a Little Black Dress. However, the design, cut, style, and fabric of the dress must be taken into consideration. LBDs are perfect for weddings, funerals, cocktail parties, Ladies night, and you can also wear it professionally by throwing on a tailored blazer to complete the look. But, not even a blazer, sweater, or shawl over a bandage dress can cover up areas of the body that may make us feel self conscious. Most of us have that “problem area”, which is really only your problem, as people appreciate you above and beyond love handles and a chubby tummy.

Bandage dresses highlight all your assets and perceived flaws. It is not for every body type. A bandage dress is for bodies that are the same proportion on top as well as the bottom. If your body type is rectangle or hourglass, a bandage dress may be for you. They are typically skin tight, or tighter. You don’t want to wear a dress that is going to ride up on your body each time you walk or take a seat. God forbid that you should pick up something from the floor. So my Ladies who are pear, apple, or round shape this dress may not be for you. I am sure you know the pain of buying a dress that may be too big at the top and too small at the bottom. Or vice versa. A bandage dress will be loose on one part of your body and stretched to it’s limits on another part.

We get dressed to look good. We get dressed to feel good. We get dressed to be comfortable. If the dress is not checking all of those boxes, then it’s not for you.

Etiquette is not acting White

Etiquette and good manners are for everyone. Yes, I know that the ladies famous for writing books about etiquette are White. If you read their books and follow their rules, you will be acting White. No. You are acting right, not acting White. There is proper etiquette for when you go to different countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Those rules of etiquette were not written by White women. No one is born knowing proper etiquette and good manners. They had to be taught. Some people were taught at home, but most people had to read a book or attend a class.

You will meet people from all backgrounds who are rude, crude, vulgar, and trashy. They may not know anything about etiquette, and your good manners is wasted on them. But you behave like a Lady for yourself and not for their benefit. Other classy people will know the code. It is not just for Debutantes and Royalty. Black women from every socioeconomic situation can be the best at acting like a Lady. We can learn all the tips and tricks. Etiquette is not just about the right cutlery with a specific dinner course. Etiquette is about your walk, your talk, your attire. Those are the things that people judge before you even open your mouth.