Etiquette and Attributes of Charm ~ Part 2

The Golden Rule is as important today as ever.

At the Heart of Charm

Spiritual Graciousness

Spiritual graciousness is at the heart of charm. Know and practice the courtesies of daily living. Avoid jokes at the expense of others; avoid gossip and a critical attitude. Forgive those who hurt you. Show tolerance for those who upset you. Generosity of spirit involves giving credit and praise when they are deserved. Respect the opinions and rights of other people.  Treat them the way you would like to be treated regardless of their station in life. The Golden Rule is as important today as ever.

Balanced Emotions

Perhaps the hardest requirement of all is self discipline-control yourself and your emotions. Spontaneously showing happiness, choice, surprise – or even annoyance when you were angered – is to be true to yourself.  But to live happily with others, you must also exercise self-control. It is this balance between spontaneity of feelings and discipline or control that you will want to achieve.

Be Interested in Others

Making Friends

The charming girl is interested in virtually all people in all aspects of life. She knows that almost everyone can contribute something to her life. So meet and make new friends; don't limit your circle of friends to just a few if you really want to grow.


Good Family Relationships 

Because we are so close to our families, we tend to lose sight of the fact that they deserve the same courtesies we give others. Too often we expect parents, brothers or sisters, to give us more than we give to them. There should be a mutual respect and understanding within family groups. If you don't think you're getting it, try giving it. It will probably be returned. 

Believe in Yourself

Self-Confidence 

If you don't like yourself, if you don't feel your actions, habits or appearance can stand competition, or comparison, you lack self-confidence. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. If you do believe in yourself, there's almost nothing in life you won't be able to do. So do everything you can to build solid self-confidence, and it will be reflected in the world. — From 1972, Wendy Ward Charm Book 

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

Etiquette and Attributes of Charm ~ Part 1

According to the Wendy Ward Charm Book, you can hardly be charming and beautiful, if you can't see and feel beauty; if you don't know and love it.

Here are some of the attributes you should acquire if you do not already have them...

Poise

Cultivate poise. The poised girl maintains calm when she has a difficult situation to handle. She goes about it naturally and easily and avoids nervous movements of the body.

Spirit of Adventure

Since you can always pack your bags and sail to faraway islands, begin to develop the spirit of adventure, by trying new ideas, new thoughts, a new method of study, a new way of wearing your hair or even a new food!

Sense of Humor

A girl may have many good qualities and still lack charm. Often, the missing quality is a sense of humor. You'll find the person you enjoy being with most is the one who finds the things you say witty. More important, the one who enjoys being with you is also someone who's wit you appreciate. Nothing pleases a boy more than discover he can make you laugh. You only have to develop a sense of humor if you lack one. Look for the things in life worth laughing about. 

You'll get extra points for telling a funny story about yourself. Remember, however, to laugh with people, and not at them.

Appreciation of Beauty

You can hardly be charming and beautiful if you can't see and feel beauty; and if you don't know and love it. If you haven't thought about it, try starting now, to appreciate the beautiful. There is beauty all around — in the shape of a leaf, the changing sky, the smell of spring, or the laughter of a friend.

Being Interesting 

You should be interesting to others. That means you must be able to contribute to conversations -— at a party, in groups large or small, even on a one-to-one basis. Learn a new party game especially well, one that doesn't require props, so you'll always be ready to suggest and direct it. Find out what you really like. Learn to talk about interests such as music, books, movies or sports. — From 1972, Wendy Ward Charm Book 

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia   

Etiquette, Charm and Smiles

"Why do some girls always look so pretty and act so confident? These girls know how to do the right thing at the right time. They also know how to have fun. Very few of us are born with those characteristics. A lovely appearance, confidence, knowing how to act on every occasion — these attributes are acquired. They have to be learned. Now, you have an opportunity of learning how to bring out the best that is within you, of finding out how to look your prettiest, of gaining the feeling of confidence."

"Most people aren't their natural selves. Rather, they are an accumulation of habits and affectations picked up through life. Inside, they're different. Do you want to learn to be the real you instead of a phony? You can. Are you have to do is learn the techniques and rules that help develop a charming personality."  – From 1972,  Wendy Ward Charm Book

 Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia