In days gone by, strict etiquette governed our actions. However, the landscape of modern society has redrawn these lines, altering the code of conduct. Amidst this shift, certain nuances persist, signaling a true lady.
At Lifeknowhow, we believe that refined manners extend beyond regal circles. Whether it’s appearance, conduct, or even digital interactions, there exist certain subtleties that can elevate your demeanor to princely levels.
Mastering the Duchess Pose: A Chair’s Secret
When seated, a lady commands her space with elegance. The chair’s center beckons, and the back needs a touch of freedom. Adopt the duchess pose: sit straight yet relaxed, maintaining a gap between your back and the chair. The distance mirrors the expanse from wrist to fingertips, an unmistakable hallmark of grace. Furthermore, your posture unveils your poise; avoid leaning on the chair’s back for a regal bearing.
Don’t be afraid of work
True elegance knows no aversion to toil. Historical grand duchesses and empresses embodied this ethos, serving as hospital sisters during wartime. Take Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, for instance, who tended to wounds herself. Today, this spirit endures—whether in gardens or elsewhere, a lady’s labor reflects her grace.
Harmonize Your Makeup: A Lady’s Code
True elegance embraces harmony in makeup. Dark eye shadow and red lipstick, while alluring separately, find no place together on a lady’s visage. Opt for singular emphasis, reflecting modern royal preferences. Discover the art of balance and subtlety, a timeless tribute to regal aesthetics.
Respect yourself and your time
Unexpected guests? No worries. A bathrobe and curlers are okay. Or, take a cue from a British lady: wear shoes, a hat, grab an umbrella. Greet them as if you just got home or say you’re about to leave. It’s all about showing respect for yourself and managing your time wisely.
Don’t put your phone on the table
A modern lady keeps her phone off the table in public places like cafes or restaurants. She values her privacy and avoids drawing too much attention to her device. With elegance, she ensures her digital world remains discreet and private.
Know the rules of correspondence
In today’s world, texting has its own rules. A modern lady doesn’t rush to reply to messages right away. She might be busy. And if something’s urgent, a call is preferred. But she won’t keep someone waiting for more than 20 minutes, showing respect for their time too.
Don’t keep your hands on your waist
Hands on hips? Not a lady’s preferred stance. While sometimes hands find no home, placing them in front aligns with etiquette, conveying poise and grace. Even in common moments, a lady’s bearing is a reflection of her elegance.
Use words of appreciation in moderation
Exuding gratitude is virtuous, but not excessively so. Avoid overusing ‘thank you’ and ‘please’; their essence can diminish. Striking a balance ensures sincerity and avoids coming across as mere flattery—a hallmark of graciousness.
Don’t turn around if a person doesn’t call you by your name
A woman with good manners doesn’t respond to a casual ‘Hey!’ on the street. This informal greeting lacks the decorum she values. Instead, she chooses to engage in a more respectful manner, using phrases like ‘sorry’ or ‘excuse me.’
