Perfectly Practical #2 - Good Manners

"Get your elbows off the table." 

"Stop chewing with your mouth open." 

"No, a sleeve is NOT just as good as a tissue." 

I'm sure most of you have heard at least one of these statements (if not said them yourself) in your lifetime.  And why do we say those things?  Yes ma'am, because they are good manners and good manners make life run more smoothly.
 
Have you ever been in a social situation where you felt uncomfortable because you weren't sure what was the right way to act?  Have you ever been at a dinner party and thought who in the world needs so many dad blame forks?!  This is where etiquette comes in.

A very dear friend once told me that "there is freedom in boundaries."  That statement is so profound to me and works in almost every aspect of life.  When one knows the boundaries of socially acceptable behavior, the proper course of action is easier to take.

However, there is a snob factor associated with the word "etiquette" for some reason.  People often feel threatened by what they don't know and it is very easy to make excuses for not knowing good manners because "etiquette is for rich people". 

On the contrary, good manners are for everyone.  They are about making those around you comfortable.  For instance, a person with elbows on the table could bump the person next to them or a person who chews with their mouth open or uses their sleeve as a tissue - well, frankly could make someone sick.  >Yuck.< 

Either way, it is both for the benefit of others that you practice good manners as well as feeling confident.

There is a wonderful local company called Etiquette East Texas run by the fabulous Amy Riestenberg.  She teaches etiquette for children (both girls and boys), cotillion for teens, and even business etiquette.  Diva Moppins enjoyed her first series with Mrs. Riestenberg so much that when she saw the flyer for the next session she jumped up and down (in the most ladylike fashion possible obviously) and excitedly asked if she could attend again.

After Diva's first class, Engineer Moppins and I were waiting for the class to adjourn.  We watched as all the other young ladies walked to their parents but we still couldn't see Diva.  All of the sudden she appears and is walking elegantly down the aisle.  We asked what she was doing.  She looked at us, being the true diva she is and confidently stated that she was gliding. 

I'm not sure how practical gliding is but having the confidence to do it - very practical indeed.

This is part of Works for Me Wednesday.