10 Things a Real Lady Knows

Y1. A soft answer turneth away wrath.
A lady picks her battles. You don't have to yell about everything that irritates you. And don't get into a fight with someone who isn't that bright. Remember the old adage - "Never argue with a fool. People won't be able to tell the difference." Let stupid stuff go, cut out the idiots in your life, and move towards more positive, constructive people. If you must argue, don't yell. A soft-spoken, but solid tone answer is VERY effective, and you leave with your reputation intact and people's respect high.

2. Cussing and swearing are basically ineffective.
Where is it written that if you use every foul mouthed expletive there is out there, somehow you will hurt a person's feeling. All you end up looking like is an ignorant buffoon. I don't care how many people are doing it, it still leaves the same impression. Clean your mouth out and get a dictionary. You really want to hurt someone's feelings (and I am not advocating that but if you must.......) then use wit and such an intelligent reply that the intended victim is left reeling. Sticks and stones can break your bones and well placed words WILL hurt them.

3. Good table manners actually matter.
Etiquette schools are making a killing teaching people how to eat, hold a fork, and chew with their mouths closed. Good table manners tell alot about your upbringing in certain circles (the higher up the power chain you go, the more important this becomes. A lady is always higher up the power chain, so learn this). Get a book (it's cheaper), learn your manners, and practice them. For the gold diggers, this is your opportunity to pass yourself off as someone who is used the good life.

4. Money is not something to get excited over.
Old money people can smell new money people a mile away. New money is always talking about how much they have, how much they make, how much they spent, how many things they have. They buy things they can't afford, live off credit and lose it all when they lose the job. Old money buys good stuff because it is good not because it is expensive. They don't get excited around money, because it is a part of what their life has always been. Dress well and don't talk about the designer who put it together for you. Real money doesn't care and it leaves a bad taste in their mouth.

5. Sexy is NOT a loincloth and two stars on your nipples.
Humping the floor at a club and gyrating against the wall like a stripper at a pole is not sexy. Plus it attracts bottom feeders who WILL prey on you and use you for what you are portraying yourself to be - a slut (couldn't think of a polite word to use and that is what men call you behind closed doors). It invites all kinds of trouble that you don't need. How about leaving something to the imagination? A dress that gently skims your silhouette but doesn't hug it says, "I have all kinds of exciting curves under here, but you have to guess what they look like" will have men running around trying to figure out how to figure it out. Make no mistake - a man may sleep with the women with the stars on but they will work hard to get the women that are 'out of their reach'. Men like a challenge. Might be the testosterone that makes them want to be a hunter, but it works. So put on your clothes that hint but don't tell, spray on some perfume, and walk with a confident air. That is SEXY!

6. Multiple sex partners makes you a whore.
If you think sleeping with several men makes you special, you are sadly mistaken. Men still label women like that a whore. They don't say it to your face but they say it to each other behind your back. If you are one of those women who likes to do the whole office, you are setting yourself up for a fall. It cuts your promotion chances out and has a ripple effect across career lines (you might end up interviewing with someone you used to work with who knows your reputation and it could work against you). Plus it ruins your self-respect. I have yet to meet a woman who sleeps around with wild abandon who doesn't have issue with doing it. Often it stems from insecurity. A lady isn't interested in conquests. She knows what she's worth and she is VERY picky about what she lets into her life before it even gets to the bedroom. It's a process and only those worth their weight in gold get to make it to the jewel that she is. Hold your standards high.

7. Raising your standards brings men of standard.
Piggy-backing on the previous statement, don't allow just anything to be a part of your life just because it calls itself a man. A real man has goals, ambitions, an active life and a go-getter attitude. He isn't waiting for the perfect opportunity, he is making it. Don't settle for a man who sits at home all day and says he can't work. This is America. Start at McDonalds and work your way up. People have bought houses working at McDonalds. Some have owned it. He can go to school and better himself. A real man should be able to provide for his family. A lady knows that. She can work but she only allows someone into her life that will help her build herself up and allow her to bolster him. She knows he complements her and, as a team, they achieve a greatness that is unrivaled. And a lady knows you don't have to put up with trifling stupidity just to have a man. Wait for the right one and the wait will be worth it. Yes, there are lots of decent ones out there.

8. Food is power.
Don't believe me? Try cooking for people. Food brings people together; it invokes feeling of comfort and familiarity. It inspires peace. I have often thought someone should make a candle that smells like mashed potatoes and gravy. It would be a bestseller. Feed your man before a serious talk and he will be more likely to talk to you. Food is more powerful than sex. It has retention power. Sex only gets you so far. Food helps seal the deal. Learn how to cook if you don't know how yet. Serve your food in elegant dishes if you want to make a statement. Presentation says a lot about you and food that is pretty to look at is eaten more readily (mothers, this works really well for the children). Around food, people share their soul, so encourage it by providing the atmosphere through your cooking. It works.

9. A well-read woman is an exciting woman
There is nothing like a woman who knows how to talk about politics, entertainment, international news, sports, and music. The more intelligent your conversation, the higher the caliber of person you attract to you. You don't need a college degree to buy a book and read it. Want to know the things that are going on in the world? You will get the most important information from the Wall Street Journal. They keep up with the world because things that happen abroad affect the prices we pay for our imported flowers, fruits, vegetables, wines, and everything else. Peruse your local newspapers learn about sports. If you can connect with your man on that level, you get more quality time with him, and he might give you some time doing what you love to (as a lady you will have attracted that quality man that is willing to think of your needs too).

10. Ma'am is for ladies!
The feminist movement has brought up a generation of women who think that when a man says 'ma'am', he is calling her old. HOGWASH! If a man says Ma'am to you, he is telling you that he has recognized a real lady. Lap it up. After all, a real lady knows that ma'am is for ladies. Have a great day, Ma'am!