The Golden Rule

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of attending a deb event called “Curtsies and Courtesies” and it was a very unique event. The purpose was to teach the girls proper etiquette and manners. What made the event even more intriguing was that it was being instructed by former President, Ronald Reagan’s, Social Secretary. After resigning from her position, she went on to revise what used to be the go-to book on politeness.

She made the event so colorful and exciting with here stories from The White House. One of these being an event she had to prepare for Princess Diana when she came to visit America for the first time. She didn’t skip a beat, she told us about the eclectic guest list, which included John Travolta and Clint Eastwood, and how Princess Diana was swept onto the dance floor to groove to the music of Saturday Night Fever.  (see picture below)

John Travolta Dancing with Diana, Princess of Wales 

She also read the thank you note that Princess Diana had sent her as an example of how a lady, who held her self with upmost propriety, wrote a proper thank you letter. She pointed out how you must find a way to say thank you without actually writing those words. Princess Diana recalled details and moments throughout the night that made the host feel special and appreciated. All of the debs sighed at the elegance of it all.

To follow, we learned how to properly eat at the dinner table.

Tips include:

1.     when in doubt use the cutlery from the outside, in 

2.      always acknowledge the hostess when you’re leaving the table

3.     leave your napkin in your seat when you leave the table

4.     when you don’t know what to do with a dish just watch others around you.

 A lot of these guidelines, people already knew but some of the tid-bits were very intriguing. I felt classier just listening to her!

Next, we learned how to properly introduce and greet people at a social gathering. The instructor told us to always introduce the person of highest ranking first.

 For example, is she was introducing a friend of hers to President Reagan’s wife, Mrs. Reagan would outrank the friend so she would say, “friend, I would like you to meet Mrs. Reagan.” 

This is the most respectful way of introducing people. Now say there’s no titles involved in the situation, the elder would outrank. If there’s a gender difference, the woman, actually, outranks. (I puffed my chest out a little bit at that one.)

All in all I learned very much but the piece of information I honored the most was the reason for why etiquette is so important. It is popular belief that showing manners is just a social thing but it is even simpler than that. Having manners is merely respecting those around you and being considerate. Treat others, as you would want to be treated. That’s The Golden Rule.

Keep following my blog! I will be posting a new entry this tuesday. Also, keep an eye out for my next Pinterest post on Monday. I will be scanning in a the hand out I received from the event with a list of basic etiquette tips! :)