10 Musts For Every Belle

Manicured Hands And Feet

Sugar, let me tell you it is more than just polish! Cuticles, Dryness, Rough Feet, and jagged nails are all a NO GO. Just as Sue Ellen, in Gone With The Wind, said, “Mother said, ‘You can always tell a lady by her hands.’” Rough unkept hands are for men. Lather up those hands and feet, and don’t leave the house in open toed shoes without polish or chipped polish. Unpolished or chipped polish is, quite frankly, a southern belle sin.

2. The Shorter The Skirt The Lower The Heel

ELEGANCE is the goal, ladies. Self respect IS wearing items that are appropriate. A southern belle is conscious of her appearance and the perception others may take. Higher heels make mini skirts look shorter, and ladies NO gentleman is looking for that.

3. Thank You Cards Are Mandatory

These seem to have fallen out of style, but one can always tell good raising when receiving one. Thank you cards are one thing a southern belle always judges on. If someone doesn’t send them, I always take notice. A simple thank you card for any generosity goes a long way, and since they are so rare nowadays they truly stand out.

4. Never Return It Empty

Similarly to 3, this one it rarely followed anymore but the simple display of gratitude and generosity will undoubtedly stand out. If you end up with a dish you are needing to return to someone fill it with baked goods before returning it. They fed you in one way or another, so returning the favor is a simple task that will go a long way.

5. No Curse Words

All curse words should be like nails on a chalkboard to the southern belle. There are a multitude of cute phrases and words you can use to replace them with. I still shudder when I hear one, and when did it become acceptable for men to curse in front of women? I blame feminists, which the true southern belle most certainly isn’t; at least, not the new age version. I definitely need a man to open my door, and so should you. Just because you CAN do it on your own doesn’t mean you should.

Examples: “Fiddle Dee Dee,” “I Declare,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Shoot Fire,” “Well Butter My Biscuits,” “Heavens to Betsy,” and “Jumpin Jehoshaphat.”

6. Eat Like A Bird

Part of respecting those around you is eating like a lady. Utensils, napkins, and chewing with your mouth closed is a must. Don’t talk while you’re eating. Eat a snack before you leave the house, because you don’t want to appear like an unfed hog. Also, never rely on food options at a party so it’s best to eat a little beforehand to be safe. Men may say they want a girl who eats like a man, but I assure they don’t. Take small bites, we call them, “Princess Bites.” Mammy, from Gone With The Wind, tells Scarlett she can “always tell a lady by the way that she eats in front of folks like a bird.” Gentility is an art, ladies.

7. The Art of Party Hosting

Hopefully, you watched your mother, aunt grandmother, etc. host guests throughout your life. Make hosting your own. Make sure people feel welcomed by your home decor, cleanliness, and, my favorite part, the TABLE. Set that table like a QUEEN, Honey. Everyone will be so impressed at your next dinner party after you’ve arranged the silverware, plates, and glasses properly. A hostess must stay on high alert during a party making sure all of her guests are cared for. Never be afraid to go all out.

8. Never Rush

The ONLY time a southern belle should find herself in a rush is when one of her loved ones needs medical attention. Rushing is a terribly ugly thing, it makes one irritable, appear sloppy, and shows a lack of self management and discipline. Rushing leads to breaking a sweat, and Darling we can’t have that mascara running. Be okay with saying no to things that might cause a rush.

9. Punctuality

Punctuality is a form of respect. Arriving on time to meet someone, attend a party or event, or whatever the case may be shows a great deal of respect to the other party’s time. Tardiness is subject to judgment and rightly so. If you are late all of the time the people may deem undependable. Punctuality is important when hosting as well, because nobody wants to see the hostess rush around like a chicken with her head cut off! Work on your time management and self discipline to ensure you do what is necessary to be on time. Remember, 15 minutes early is on time and on time is LATE.

10. Never Chase A Man

Sugar, if you have to chase him he’s not yours. I blame feminism for this too btw. If he isn’t pursuing you, forget about him. You deserve someone who worships the ground you walk on. You might catch that man you’re chasing, but I promise you he isn’t worth keeping. You’re the prize not the player. Let him call, let him text, and let him ask.