PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Unfortunately, we live in a society that judges each other by their actions and appearance. Knowing this is not going to change anytime soon, why not use it in a positive way. A good example would be when you first wake in the morning, look into the mirror and tell yourself you are special and smile. This may sound weird, but you will find yourself having fun with this each morning. This will prepare you to get into a good mood and stay in one all day long.

If you live with someone else, then you still want to look you best even though you have just woken up. Splash water on your face, comb or brush your hair, and brush your teeth.

GOOD POSTURE: Learn to stand erect and manifest a feeling of erectness even when standing at ease. A mirror can help you stand erect without looking like a total fool. Also learn to sit properly and walk gracefully with ease. When you walk, don't bounce or take large steps. It should be visuably to others that you are a confident person. Never let yourself show you are in a hurry. When walking, make sure you are aware what is in your path and keep your eyes focused approximately 3 to 4 feet in front of you. You also should be glancing towards where you are going. Look at the bottoms of your shoes. Do they seem to be worn out unevenly? If so, try to be aware of this when you walk. Try to force your feet into the correct angle to eliminate your improper walking. Shoes should also wear evenly if you are walking with correct posture.

PROPER DIET: Exercise helps build a vigorous strong body. Well developed body muscles are a must if you maintain good posture. Be aware of what you eat. If you always glance at the ingredients of a specific food, ask yourself, "Do I really want to eat this"? Is it going to help my body or satisfy my taste buds? You should also be drinking plenty of water each day. Some say you should drink between eight (8) to ten (10) glasses of water a day. All types of fish are extremely good for you. If you are going to have food that you know is not really good for you, try making your portions smaller. You can always go back for seconds, but it is impolite to leave food on your plate.

GOOD GROOMING: This requires cleanliness of the entire body- frequent showers or baths, use a good deodorant and clean clothes from the skin out. Your hair should be styled to your own taste to bring out your best features. It needs to be kept clean, brushed and under control. Your teeth should be brushed at least twice a day-more often when possible. Bad breath and body odors will repulse others around you. It is possible to become so comfortable with your own odors that you become unaware of them. Many people will not tell you if you smell offensive unless they are very close to you; even then they may hesitate. Finger nails and toe nails should be clean and clipped; shoes should be well kept. Look at your nose in the mirror. Is your nose clean and free of objects hanging or extending out of your nasal socket? If you blew your nose, make sure there is nothing left behind that would offend others speaking with you. Ears are also unsightly when hair is extending out of the ear canal. Eyebrows and eyelashes should be brushed and not pertruding away from the rest of them. Always take a good look in the mirror to make sure you are pleasant to anyone approaching you or speaking to you in public.

MAKE-UP: Applied to a clean skin, it should heighlight and enhance good features or minimize undesirable features. The neck belongs to the face and should be remembered in blending make-up. Always take a moment and really look at yourself in the mirror. Do you have too much make-up on? Do you look trashy? Are you sure this is how you want others to view you? Remember, first impressions cannot be taken back.

PROPER DRESS: After getting dressed, take a moment and look into the mirror. Is this how you want the world to view you? If you met a beautiful lady or handsome man on the street, is this how you would want them to remember you? What if you bumped into your boss out on the street? Would you want him/her to remember you as someone that dresses poorly or classy when out in public?
Plad patterns do not go with other plad patterns. Plads go with solid colors that are within the plad pattern. Stripes do not go with other stripes. Stripes do go with other solids that are in the same color scheme. Remember, you do not want to draw attention to yourself by standing out within a crowd. Bright and fluorescent colors are normally not used unless you are highlighting a particular item. Never allow your chest (men) to be viewed by leaving your shirt unbuttoned down to your stomach. Button down shirts should be buttoned all the way up - leaving the very top button undone if you are not wearing a tie.
Pants should be pulled up onto your waist and never left hanging off your body. Baggy clothes usually indicate you are hiding something. It could be a few extra pounds, excess skin due to obesity, or even concealing a weapon. Law enforcement will take notice to someone with baggy clothes over someone dressed with more contoured clothing to your body.
Shorts are okay in certain instances. People who wear shorts can do so byb properly outfitting the rest of their body. A nice polo shirt or button down is proper. Tall tube socks are never worn with shorts. Socks should only extend an inch or so above your shoe. It is also approperate to not wear socks at all as long as the shoes you are wearing are tasteful and will not hurt your feet or back. Remember to keep your posture.
Choose styles and colors that are becoming to you, even though it may not be the color of that season. Very low cut dresses or neck lines are not necessary to portray a beautiful, radiant you. Often the impression, especially to strangers, may be just the opposite.

PERFUME: Perfume or cologne in general should be subtle, not overwhelming. It should not announce your arrival. The fragrance is not as strong to you as to others. An "overdose" of perfume or cologne can be offensive to those around you, especially in a crowded or poor ventilated room.

MANNERISMS: Smile. Try to be aware of what your face looks like when you are relaxed. Does your mouth seem to pout? Make it always have a smile etched on it and keep your mouth closed. Many people walk around with their mouth open like they are trying to catch something. A relaxed person does not have unpleasant mannerisms. Some other ad mannerisns include: making too many gestures with their hands, shrugging their shoulders, cracking knuckles, scratching their front or backsides, tugging at your clothes, jingling change in your pocket, laughing at inapproperate times, hiding your mouth behind your hand when talking or laughing, drumming on furniture with your fingers, pen, or pencil. Another very disturbing mannerism is speaking above others or speaking while someone else is talking. These are just a few and are meaningless motions. Chewing gum, in public, is not a mannerism, but it is a habit that is unsightly to others. When watching a movie or program, notice the type of people that chew gum. Is this the way you want yourself view to others? How about that first impression thing again? Always try to be your best in everything you do.

Magnify (do not exaggerate) your good qualities; make no excuses for shortcomings, lack of preparation, etc. There is a phrase that you may or may not heard of in the past. It is "Dress for success" and should be applied to every aspect of your life.

NO ONE is so important that he/she can disregard good manners!

PERSONAL APPEARANCE
CONVERSATION
TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE
ENTERTAINING
TIPS FOR GUESTS
TABLE MANNERS
EATING OUT AT RESTAURANTS
TIPPING
SPECIAL MANNERS WITH SPECIFIC FOODS
TOASTS
GETTING A JOB
BEING A BOSS OR MANAGER
ETIQUETTE AT WORK
ETIQUETTE AT HOME
DRIVING AN AUTOMOBILE

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