Proper Etiquette: How to Be a Lady

I went on a date last week, my first one in ages and everything was going really well until we got to the restaurant. This is where you get to see your date’s manners, and I am afraid mine had none. The waiter, who obviously felt sorry for me, pulled out my chair after I stood for what seemed like an hour. Then, my date proceeded to order wine without asking what my preference was. Finally, he started on his meal before mine arrived. How charming!

I think society has started to lose sight of good etiquette; which is a shame as it is the foundation of good manners .In the first 20 seconds, others will judge your look; in the next 20 seconds, your behavior; and the third 20 seconds, your first words. So I am going to go over the main rules of etiquette, and hopefully you will be a "lady" (a.k.a. A well-mannered Diva) in no time at all.

Rules of Etiquette: Upon Arrival

• Use the accepted phrases: “Please,” “Thank you,” “May I?” “Excuse me,” and “I’m sorry.”

• The woman — not the man — extends a hand and always give a firm handshake.
• A box of chocolates is an appropriate gift when invited for dinner, to be deposited at the entrance with a gift card. Flowers can be sent either just before the dinner or, even better, the following day. Wine is not an appropriate dinner gift. (It assumes that the host does not have good taste).
• Always arrive at a dinner party 15 minutes late.

• Look people in the eyes.

Rules of Etiquette: At The Table

• When you arrive at a luncheon, whether the table is for 2 people or 10, sit down and immediately put the napkin on your lap. The napkin will stay on your lap the entire time you are sitting there, even after the meal is complete. It should never touch the table until you rise to leave.
• Harness the silverware. If you are at an event in which the table is set with multiple utensils, here is a simple trick to remember which to use and when. Start from the outside in, and for each course, use the utensil that is farthest from your plate. If you drop your fork on the floor, ask your waiter for another.
• Only a country bumpkin would say, “Bon appétit” at the start of a meal.

• Foie gras (a delicacy of goose liver) should be eaten with a fork, never spread on bread.

• Don’t reach or grab, just pass. If you want something from the table, such as the salt shaker or the bread basket, and it is not within arm’s length, ask another guest to pass it to you.
• Other rules include not eating until everyone is served, and refraining from wiping your nose or picking your teeth.
• If a woman’s wineglass needs filling, she should play with it until her male neighbor notices and fills it.
• Consume your bread in no less than an eon. Don’t eat your roll like an apple. The courteous way to dine on bread is to tear off a bite-size piece, butter only that morsel, and pop it in your mouth. Chew, swallow, and repeat. It may take a million years to eat your bread, but at least you will look like a lady while doing it.
• Say “yes,” rather than “yeah.”

• Don’t interrupt.

• It is best to avoid using the powder room at all, but if there is absolutely no choice, it must be done discreetly.
• Never use the words “toilette” or “bathroom.” When there is a break — the best time is after dinner when you leave the table — you can ask, very discreetly, “May I wash my hands?”

Rules of Etiquette: When Around Elders

• Always show your elders respect and etiquette will come naturally.

• When calling a friend, identify yourself to the person who answers the phone before asking to speak to your friend. By doing so, the parents or other family member who answer the phone will appreciate this courtesy and see you as friendly.

I could go on and on, but those are a few basic rules of etiquette. Stick to them and you will always make a good impression, and be remembered as a polite, friendly person with impeccable etiquette.

Source: http://www.divavillage.com/article.php?id=31709