Etiquette, Elegance, and Femininity I

Most of us were probably taught as children to “use our manners.” Some of the first things you probably think of when you think about what those manners included might be saying “please” and “thank you,” waiting your turn, or chewing with your mouth closed. However, for many people, their manners end right around there. They don’t go past the bare minimum, if that. Our culture seems to accept bare minimum behavior and effort these days, and even encourages it. I don’t want to follow the crowd, though. I like to hold myself to a higher standard. And I hope you do, too. That’s why I’m starting a series on etiquette, elegance, and femininity! If you’re ready to take a step above the bare minimum -especially if you’re a girl or woman in this case- you’re in the right place!

To begin your journey on leveling up, we will start with one of the most basic things we can- hygiene!

HYGIENE

Do you like being able to smell someone else’s bad breath, or seeing someone leave the restroom without stopping to wash their hands? I know I don’t. You may think, “I won’t judge,” and move on with your day, which is very gracious of you, but what if you were that person? Neglecting personal hygiene isn’t solely about you, because it affects those around you! Personal hygiene is one of the most basic manners you can practice. Smelling nice and trying to prevent the spread of germs is considerate, not just unnecessary etiquette rules some fancy person made up! Here is a list of hygiene tips to help you elevate your basic routine!

-Shower or bathe using shampoo, face wash, and body wash

-Brush teeth in the morning and at night and whenever else you feel the need. DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT BRUSHING YOUR TEETH!!! (Gum and mints are not an alternative!)

-Switch out toothbrush regularly

-Floss regularly

-Clean dental appliances regularly

-Wash face

-USE DEODORANT DAILY! (Even if you use other scented products like perfume or cologne.)

-Shave (Switch out razor/blade regularly)

-Use/change feminine products often

-Wear clean clothes, especially socks and underwear

-Brush/comb hair in the morning and at night

-Trim and clean under fingernails and toenails (No one needs to see your overgrown toenails or the dirt under your fingernails!)

-Clean out ears

-Keep piercings clean

-Change bedding often and pillowcases even more often

-Wash hands after using the restroom -no exceptions!-, before preparing or eating food, after blowing/wiping your nose, after touching animals, after being out in public, and any other time you feel it would be a good idea!

Keep things clean!!

Maintaining personal hygiene tells others that you respect not only them but yourself as well. It helps you smell and appear pleasant, and keeps germs and sickness from spreading. Everyone should maintain good hygiene!

Many hygiene tips go along with your outward appearance, which is the next topic I want to talk about in this series, so stick around! This is just the beginning!