Manners, behavior, and styles of dress are always changing, as is the conventional understanding of what is meant by “respectful woman”. Although the term may seem out of date, there are some aspects of respectable female behavior that do not die: elegance, modesty, and respect for oneself and others. Read the following article to learn how to be a true lady of honor in modern times.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Behave like a Respected Woman
Step 1. Make an introduction
If you're talking to someone and suddenly someone else walks up to you, introduce the person you're talking to with the second person to approach you.
- In the business world, the rules of introduction that are made depend on the level of "interest" of a person. In other words, depending on one's seniority level. For example, you first introduce a higher-status person to a lower-status person and then take turns. Remember, the client is always in the highest position whatever the position.
- If you can, add detailed information about the person you're introducing. Instead of simply introducing the person's name, tell them their job title or how you know this person.
Step 2. Say “please” and “thank you”
While this may sound like a cliché, if you forget to say these two words (even in an accident) people will pay attention to it and it will seem very rude.
- Say thank you anytime when someone helps you, no matter how big or small the help. This action shows you appreciate the help.
- Say thank you to the host after attending a party or other special occasion. Consider texting, emailing, or calling to express your gratitude the next day.
- Say thank you when you receive a gift. You can send a thank you card to the person who gave the gift.
- Don't misuse the words "please" and "thank you". Using these words excessively will take away their meaning and make you look weak. For example, if a waiter helps you pull out a chair, prepare napkins, and pours you some water, say thank you only once after he's done all the work and not every time he's done something.
- Add an explanation when thanking someone else. Instead of just saying "thank you" to someone who talks to you when things go wrong, say "Thank you for being so understanding. It means a lot to me.” This method will seem more sincere.
Step 3. Know when to say no
Being polite doesn't mean being passive and letting others take advantage of you. It's important to learn how to say "no" politely.
- If someone offers you alcohol or cigarettes and you're not interested, say thank you to the person and decline the offer. Being relentless by ignoring your will will give the impression that you are easily influenced.
- Similarly if a guy tries to "take you" or is aggressive, then maintain your dignity and tell him to stay away. If necessary, ask someone else for help.
Step 4. Educate yourself
A respectable woman will be eloquent and able to master the conversation. This requires you to read a lot and keep up with current events in the world. This business does not require formal education, but if it is possible to reach the highest level in education, then this achievement will benefit you.
- If you're not in school, look for other alternatives to educate yourself. Read books (fiction and nonfiction) and newspapers and attend seminars and/or discussions.
- Fortunately, nowadays there is internet, people have free access to read various scientific articles on various topics with the press of a single button.
- Many colleges allow students to attend classes without receiving an academic assessment. Ask for clear information about this before you take the class.
Step 5. Have good posture
Standing and sitting up straight is a sign that you are a true respectable woman. As a bonus, having good posture is better for your back and will strengthen your body! It takes practice to get used to standing up straight, especially if you're used to slouching.
Step 6. Be respectful towards others
Being a respectable woman is not only looking or behaving well on the outside, but also being a good hearted person.
- When talking to other people, give them your full attention. This method is quite polite and will make the conversation more passionate for both parties.
- Don't interrupt or dominate the conversation.
- Offer help to others in need. This help can take the form of simple actions such as helping to carry an older person's groceries or more noble actions such as volunteering at a homeless or animal shelter.
Step 7. Look stunning
An honorable woman doesn't just sit idly by and let things pass in front of her. He will mingle with other people, create fun conversations, and be a clever flirt.
If you don't know how to look stunning, start by smiling and complimenting often when you're talking to other people. Make personal compliments. For example, don't compliment someone's shoes, but tell them that they have good fashion sense
Step 8. Don't use inappropriate words, eat or drink too much
Being an honorable woman requires self-control and willpower. These activities are examples of a lack of self-control.
Step 9. When visiting other people's homes, be respectful
When you're a guest at someone else's house, let the host decide where you sit, put your wallet, or whether or not to take off your shoes, and so on.
Remember, there are people who are more protective of their home environment. Use good judgment to determine how you should behave
Step 10. Hold the door open to others
It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, offering to hold the door open for another is a respectful and friendly gesture.
Step 11. Remain calm and patient
Avoid berating others if you are annoyed, angry, or upset. Stay calm and handle the situation rationally. This will prevent you from doing or saying something in a heated situation that you may regret later.
Method 2 of 3: Dress like a Dignified Woman
Step 1. Take care of personal health
This step will keep you neat and tidy, and most importantly can prevent infections and other diseases.
- Take a shower every day. If you don't want to wash your hair every day, wear a head covering and wash your body with soap and water.
- Brush your teeth every morning and night. Brushing your teeth between meals can improve the health and appearance of your teeth and gums.
- Wear deodorant. Having a nice body is just as important as being presentable.
- Maintain the habit of shaving body hair. Removing unwanted body hair can quickly make you look more attractive and leave skin smooth and comfortable to touch.
Step 2. Dress elegantly
The point is to dress appropriately according to the situation, body type, and age. Use good judgment to determine what clothing is best for you.
- Buy less clothes, but more quality and durable. Cheap clothes that can't be worn for a long time will not be good for your self-image.
- Don't try to force yourself to wear clothes that don't suit you.
- Opt for a simple dress over trousers if possible. If it's okay to wear trousers, dresses, and skirts, bring out your feminine side and present yourself better than your trousers.
- Always wear stockings. Don't leave your feet bare.
- Don't feel obligated to wear high heels if you're not comfortable. Flat shoes are also good to wear.
- Don't wear sweatpants or tracksuits unless you're at the gym or working out.
Step 3. Wear clean and tidy clothes
Iron the clothes so they don't wrinkle and wash them if they get stained.
Step 4. Don't wear too much makeup or revealing clothes
Elegance requires only the bare minimum. Wear makeup to highlight your beauty, not to cover it up.
Don't show cleavage or wear tops that reveal your chest and hips. Open clothes show you are not dressing for yourself, but to attract men's attention
Method 3 of 3: Polite Table Etiquette
Step 1. Don't start eating before the meal starts
If you are in a restaurant, before starting to eat, wait until everyone's food is ready. When at a dinner party, wait for the host to open his napkin and start eating.
Step 2. Don't talk while you're eating
This attitude is not only rude, but also eliminates the appetite of others.
- Avoid burping, smacking your lips, or looking restless at the dinner table.
- If you have to cough or sneeze while eating, cover your mouth with a napkin.
Step 3. Ask for permission if necessary
If you have to leave the table to go to the restroom, make sure other people know about it.
Step 4. Don't type SMS or call
This activity not only annoys other diners if you are in a restaurant, but also disrespects the person who is eating with you, especially if that person has already cooked food for you. Wait until the meal is over, then you can use your cell phone.
Turn off your cell phone or set it to silent during a formal meal
Step 5. Keep your elbows away from the dining table
This rule only applies if you are actually eating. If the food has not arrived or you have just had a drink, then you are allowed to put your elbows on the edge of the table.
Step 6. Cut the food into portions that are easy to eat
This method is healthier than eating large chunks of food, but it also allows you to chew and swallow quickly if someone asks you something while you have food in your mouth. There's nothing more annoying (and embarrassing) when someone asks you something while you're eating a big chunk of food.
Step 7. Take everything on the dining table that is still within reach
If it's far away, ask someone to pick it up.
Give a bottle of salt and pepper at once, even if someone only asks for one of them. These two storage containers are meant to always be one
Step 8. Don't forget to use a napkin
Wipe your fingers or wipe your lips with a napkin if necessary.
Step 9. Thank you politely
Be sure to thank the waiter if you are at the restaurant and the host if you are at a dinner party.
Tips
- Remember that being a lady doesn't mean compromising on personal style or creativity. Don't follow rules or directions you don't really believe in.
- Watch classic films for inspiration on how to act like a lady.
- Consider taking an etiquette training class.