This is particularly important when you’re meeting someone new. By making eye contact, you’ll appear warm and friendly and make them feel more at ease. [3] X Research source
Instead of gossiping, try to focus on other people’s positive qualities. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy someone’s company, there are surely a few things about them that you like or admire. This is especially important when you’re communicating through email, text, or social media, as your words can easily be reproduced and hurt someone.
For example, if you recently got accepted into a prestigious art school, avoid bringing it up to people in casual conversation. Instead, you can let people know when they ask you what you’re doing next year, or what’s new with you. As a proper young lady, it’s particularly important that you avoid bragging about material things that you own. This is quite unbecoming and often makes the person you’re talking to feel bad if they can’t afford what you have.
For example, avoid using curse words in social situations, particularly when you are the guest at someone’s house. While you may have a funny story about a wild night out, for example, save these stories for private conversations with close friends.
Once you start saying please and thank you, you’ll eventually get in the habit of doing so all the time, making this a particularly easy way to act like a proper young lady.
This is particularly important when you disagree with someone. You don’t need to raise your voice to prove you’re right. Instead, try to calmly explain your point of view.
It will also make you feel more confident when you talk to others if you’re able to make informed, intelligent contributions to the conversation.
It would be difficult for others to respect you as a proper young lady if you aren’t honest and dependable.
A midi dress or skirt with a demure, ruffled top is a great option for fancier social events. For everyday wear, try a pair of well-tailored jeans with a classic boat-neck sweater or silk tank with a blazer on top.
Check out the sales rack at upscale department stores and keep an eye out for good deals. You can find nice clothing at thrift stores, too! Always check details like stitching and focus on finding pieces that are well-made.
If you’re low on time, buffing your nails is a quick and easy way to make your nails look clean, shiny, and presentable.
Maintaining good posture will help you stand or sit taller, which will help you garner respect from those around you.
As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t feel comfortable showing your grandmother the picture you’re debating, it’s likely that it’s not very proper.
For daily activities, keep your makeup minimal with a lightweight foundation, blush, mascara, and lip gloss. [19] X Research source
Avoid looking at your phone as much as possible, as this will send the message that you’re bored and have something more important to do. Ask people questions about themselves to make them feel like you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them.
If you feel like you’ve had a bit too much to drink, make sure that you eat plenty of food and drink plenty of water, or politely excuse yourself and leave.
Always place your napkin in your lap when you sit down at the table. Wait until everyone at the table has been served before you start eating. Pass food trays and dishes to your right when being served family-style. Never talk with food in your mouth. Instead, chew and swallow all your food before speaking at the table.
If you’re going to be a guest in someone’s home for a holiday or other celebratory event, consider bringing a gift that is on-theme. For example, if you’re going to a Christmas dinner, you could bring a festive ornament or poinsettia plant.
If someone asks you if you want something specifically that you don’t eat, you can respond politely by saying, “No thank you, but it looks lovely!”
If someone says something that you disagree with or find offensive, you can always approach them later in private without making a scene at a party or at the dinner table.
For example, if it’s your first time visiting someone’s house, try saying to them, “I absolutely love your home. I feel so welcome here. ” That way, you’ll be able to compliment both their décor sense and their hospitality.
By showing your appreciation and willingness to help, they and other guests will be more likely to want to invite you to functions in the future.
