“Being female is a matter of birth, being a woman is a matter of age, but being a lady is a matter of choice.” – Anonymous
Being female does not guarantee a girl will grow up to be a
lady and the current self-absorbed culture is not likely to model or promote
the qualities of a lady.
lady and the current self-absorbed culture is not likely to model or promote
the qualities of a lady.
It is a process for a girl to become a woman and
develop into a lady.
develop into a lady.
Parents invest a great deal of time and resources to
develop their daughter’s academic, athletic, or artistic talent, with little or
no thought as to what is required for her to mature into a lady.
develop their daughter’s academic, athletic, or artistic talent, with little or
no thought as to what is required for her to mature into a lady.
A lady understands that her appearance, behavior, and way
of communicating provide others with valuable insight into her character.
of communicating provide others with valuable insight into her character.
She
knows that her true beauty is not acquired at a make-up counter, with a new
outfit, or by following the latest Hollywood trend. Rather, she understands
true beauty is first inward.
knows that her true beauty is not acquired at a make-up counter, with a new
outfit, or by following the latest Hollywood trend. Rather, she understands
true beauty is first inward.
A lady understands that her real strength is not
found in trying to be like a man, but rather, in being gracious, thoughtful,
kind, intelligent, self-assured, and poised.
found in trying to be like a man, but rather, in being gracious, thoughtful,
kind, intelligent, self-assured, and poised.
The traits of a lady include:
- A lady is generous with her time, wisdom, and resources.
She is a woman of her word and follows through with her commitments, whatever
the cost. She willingly serves others and extends a hand to those in need. She
manages her priorities and time well – understanding that she can only serve
others after she has taken care of herself. - A lady possesses a positive outlook on life.
Her humor, wisdom, and consistent encouragement attract others to her. - A lady is a lifelong learner. She maintains a teachable
posture and embraces change for the better. She does not compare herself to
others, but embraces her strengths and accepts her weaknesses. - A lady models civility in how she treats others. She
demonstrates respect, restraint, and personal responsibility in her appearance,
behavior, and communication. She is honorable, and values and respects others. - A lady is well-mannered and knows what is appropriate. She
is able to navigate various social and professional settings with ease and
proficiency. She embraces all people – those from other cultures, as well as
individuals from various social and economic backgrounds. - A lady possesses a strong work ethic. She takes pride in
her labor at home and in the community, and strives to give her very best. She
is trustworthy, loyal, and people speak well of her. - A lady is poised, graceful, and confident. Her posture and
body language communicate a strong personal presence. - A lady is well-dressed. She knows how to select clothing
that is modest, age appropriate, within her budget, and perfect for the
occasion. She is well-groomed, practices good hygiene, and maintains her
health. She understands that her personal appearance – the way she chooses to
dress, groom, and carry herself – communicates instantly to others who she is. - A lady is well-spoken and a generous listener. She knows
how to effectively connect with others and communicate her message. Her words
are kind, tactful, and free from gossip. She is gracious and inclusive. - A lady manages her home and the needs of her family. She
creates a welcome, peaceful, loving, and nourishing environment – a safe
shelter from the storms of life. Her actions reflect whom she has chosen to be
rather than base them upon the opinions of others.
Our society is a case in point for the need to embrace the
understandable and, ultimately, achievable principles of being a lady.
understandable and, ultimately, achievable principles of being a lady.
The art of being a lady is relevant for today and it is
accessible to every woman – young and old.
accessible to every woman – young and old.
Written
by Deborah
King, ©What Would Mrs King Do?
by Deborah
King, ©What Would Mrs King Do?