Think and Act Like a Lady

By Cheryl Mattox Berry

Comedian Steve Harvey was right on the money with the title of his best-selling book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. Specifically, I’m referring to the first part of the title, act like a lady. You can be just as powerful and have more impact being a lady than you can acting like a pitbull in stilettos. And, yes, you can keep it real and be a lady at the same time. And just what does thinking and acting like a lady mean?

A lady:

Demands respect. A lady has standards and doesn’t lower them – EVER. She doesn’t let anyone – male or female – disrespect her. When you cross the line, she discreetly deletes you from her life. No fuss, no drama.

Dresses impeccably. No need to call the fashion police on her. She knows what to wear and when to wear it. She is stylish but accepts the fact that not all styles flatter her body. She would never be caught wearing an outfit that is too tight, too short or cut too low. She likes to leave a little to the imagination.

Displays good manners. She speaks to everyone, respects adults and sends beautifully written thank-you notes before cashing a check or using the gift card sent by relatives and friends.

Offers to help. The first one to show up for a party, she kicks off her stilettos, rolls up her sleeves and helps the hostess with last-minute preparations.

Avoids gossip. Everyone loves a good story, and she may listen but never offers an opinion or repeats what she has heard.

Practices discretion. Your secrets are safe with her. She will take them to her grave. By the same token, she expects her friends to be just as loyal and trustworthy.

Keeps her cool. She doesn’t fly off the handle when things don’t go as planned. She calmly regroups and forges ahead with a smile.

Chooses her words carefully. A lady thinks before she speaks. She doesn’t say mean or cruel things to hurt another’s feelings. She believes in constructive criticism when asked.

Knows when to lead and when to follow. She knows that she doesn’t know everything and gives others their props. When she is in charge, a lady makes sure her supporting cast knows its role.

Selects like-minded friends. Of course, her friends are ladies, too. Why would she associate with someone who doesn’t share the same qualities?