When it comes to etiquette it can be hard to gauge what is unnecessary and out of date, versus what is timeless, important and still elicits people's favor.
We want to teach our daughters ladylike etiquette, but we also want it to fit with modern times and not feel out of place.
Here are three traits of ladylike behavior that never go out of style!
1. A Joyful & Kind Heart!
Don’t gloss over this point because it really is the most important one!
The most beautiful, attractive, and timeless trait in ladylike etiquette is kindness. It is really the most attractive trait in anyone!
When people care and are mindful of us, we notice. We also notice when people are just looking out for themselves. And unfortunately, that is often the norm today.
Self-absorption and abrasive behavior are an absolute pandemic in our culture right now.
But because of that, nothing stands out and SHINES BRIGHTER than someone who is kind and a blessing to be around.☀️
A kind smile, an encouraging word, bending down to interact playfully and kindly with a tiny person- these little gestures stand out like a rose growing out of a thorny bush.
Kindness is an outward flowing of a deeper reality; a peace and gentleness of the heart.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control."
If you're spending time with God daily and taking the time to soak up his word, there is no way you can miss the fruit of kindness.
We should be cultivating this within our own hearts, and exemplifying it for our daughters to learn!
What in the world is more ladylike than that?
2. Carrying Herself Confidently
Standing up tall, speaking with a loud voice, looking into people's eyes, being able to carry a conversation with people of different ages, backgrounds and beliefs; these behaviors mark confidence.
But these are things we must work at ourselves, so we can exemplify them to our daughters.
In my Ladylike Etiquette for Girls Mini-Course, I share a great technique for teaching your daughter how to converse with adults!
Learning how to have good manners and carry a conversation with adults will help win your child favor with those around her, which in turn will increase her confidence further!
And remember, the greatest work will come from the inside as we seek God’s blessing of a renewed heart and a purposeful life!
3. Cleanliness and Order in Her Life
A cornerstone of ladylike behavior includes a lightness and a freeness to notice what matters.
There is breathing room and space. There is order.
The opposite of this is someone who is overrun with busyness, haggardness, overwhelmed and has no neatness of person.
This might sound harsh considering that many women ARE completely overwhelmed with life responsibilities. This is not to say that the VALUE of this person is any less. We are each dearly beloved children of God no matter what our circumstances, or how clean our house is. (Thank God he does not judge us as the world does!)
But it is highly beneficial (and ladylike) to clear out the clutter and focus only on what really matters.
Simplifying our lives and possessions can lead to so much more freedom and space and allows us to be exceptional at the few things that really matter!
This is a true trademark of a ladylike demeanor.
I hope these points have helped to spark inspiration in your own journey to a more meaningful, peaceful and joyful life- and also have helped to guide you in teaching your daughter to be ladylike!
I Think You Will ♡
"I love this course! This course helps create meaningful conversations, fun interaction, and provides real life lessons. This type of knowledge has been lost on so many of our youth, ALL schools and homeschools would benefit from an etiquette class just like this one! THANK YOU!" ★★★★ -Ashley C., Mother of 4
