manners

1. Greet others when you enter a room. A simple ‘Good Morning’, ‘Good Afternoon’, or ‘Good Evening’ is appropriate for a room with multiple people. Do not wait/expect a response from a group of people. ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’ works when it is one person, or a casual occasion.

2. Say ‘Please’, Thank you’ and ‘May I’. Those words are the first words that all babies are taught. For some reason we forget as we get older. But we are quick to feel disrespected when someone else does not say those words to us.

3. Smile. Curl the corner of your lips towards your ear and show a little teeth.

4. Clean up after yourself. This applies if you live alone, with family or roommates. This is also important in public spaces. Save litter for the garbage can. Pick up your tray and trash at fast food restaurants.

5. Good hygiene. The first impression you make is the sight and smell of you. At the very minimum shower on a daily basis and wear clothing that are washed and free of unsightly stains.

Wardrobe

1. Wear your size. Clothes that are either too big and loose, are just as unflattering as those that are bursting at the seams and riding up.

2. Only a small amount of skin is ladylike and classy. Choose to show either cleavage, arms or legs. Never all of the above. Sheer is beautiful fabric that must be worn with a layer underneath.

3. Choose underwear and support wear wisely. Underwear must be supportive without being too tight. Underwear is not to be seen, as pretty as it may be. So, no panty lines, visible bra straps or support wear creases.

4. Dress appropriately for the occasion. In the case of parties and formal events, always read the invitation. When in doubt, overdress.

5. Be comfortable. You must be comfortable with the style and fabric, so that you are not constantly adjusting your clothes, or uncontrollably scratching. Choose a style that is easy to wear if you plan to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.

Dining

1. Chew with your mouth closed. This includes when you are laughing and talking. Take a moment to finish chewing, before you begin to speak. Politely cover your mouth with your hand if must speak or you are laughing at a really funny joke.

2. Formal dinners have multiple knives, forks and spoons. Typically, you are advised to start with the utensils farthest from the plate and work your way in. The fancier the occasion/dinner, the more courses that are served. The desert utensils are usually above the plate. If you are really unsure, wait and follow the host.

3. Place the napkin in your lap and use it to dab the corners of your mouth. The napkin is left on the seat on the chair when the meal is over and you are leaving the table.

4. Never lick your fingers. Wipe fingers in the cloth napkin provided. Prepare for casual occasions with a nearby stack of paper napkins, paper towels or towelettes.

Posture

1. Stand on your own two legs, no leaning on walls, buildings, posts or furniture. Hold your stomach in, shoulders back and bottom tucked.

2. Sit with your knees together, with ankles or knees crossed.

3. Squat with your knees together when you must pick something up from the ground.

4. Do not fold your arms.

Social Media

1. No bathroom selfies.

2. No pics in underwear. Underwear models are the only exception to this rule.

3. No profanity in any post or status update.

4. No posts and comments about colleagues, bosses or the company you work for.

5. No status updates about your sex life, finances/salary, bodily functions or personal legal issues.