Gentlewoman: Etiquette for a Lady, From a Gentleman by Enitan O. Bereola Read Free Book Online Page A

always worth it. The people who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving ways. Never allow other’s discourtesy, rudeness or bad attitudes to change the core of who you are. You’re responsible for your reaction to others. Love over everything. Don’t be naïve, but do be love. Love hard. Love passionately. Love always.
    NOTE: Love people and use things. Don’t use people and love things. But you knew that already.
    Rule n ° 71 Dealing with Racism: It’s ignorant to believe we live in a post-racial society. Some people think race is only an issue if one makes it an issue. They think talking about something that creates division creates more division, or ignoring racism makes it go away. I wonder if ignoring cancer has that same effect.
    The issue with pointing out racism is that it’s not always black and white. Sometimes it’s overt, other times it’s covert. It’s not always easy to prove, but it’s there. A gentlewoman stands for justice and always stands her ground. But be aware of any threats and pay attention to your surroundings. If you ever experience something beyond your jurisdiction, notify the proper authorities. Just don’t go taking the law into your own hands.
    Rule n ° 73 Cooking: Cooking can be viewed as a belittling domestic duty in the minds of some women. The thought of dishes, poultry and mitts might make some people jump over the moon and others mince out of the room!
    Cooking isn’t a duty. Cooking is an action of affection. When my father cooks, he always says, “This was made with love.” And we all can taste it, too! Eating is a necessity, and someone has to cook the food. Sometimes it’ll be a man. Sometimes it’ll be a woman. Don’t look too deeply into it. The decision to prepare and throw food in an oven doesn’t make you any more or less of a woman. It doesn’t have to be your thing . Let’s hope you know how to make yourself a sandwich.
    NOTE : Many men love to eat well and therefore love a Lady who can cook well. Many women also love to eat good food and love a man who knows how to put meat in the oven–unless you’re a vegetarian. Then maybe he won’t mind going downtown to eat out…
    Rule n ° 75 Know the difference between loyalty and stupidity . Too many women die a spiritual, emotional and even physical death in the name of loyalty . A lot of “ride or die chicks” are dead . Why are you expected to be strong, faithful and reliable to a broken man who’s the exact opposite to you? Being supportive is admirable, but be supportive with discernment and boundaries–especially if you’re just dating. Being loyal to a man generally doesn’t involve putting your life, family or destiny in danger. While holding your man down, don’t hold your future down in the process. Be loyal to your purpose. Be loyal to your God. Be loyal to yourself. There’s a thin line between being down for a man and being dumb for a man…watch your step!
    To be “ride or die” is to have blind obedience. To truly be loyal is to be one of our biggest supporters when the world is against us, but set us straight when we’re wrong.
    Rule n ° 77 Handshakes: Brief, but firm is best for a professional arena. It shouldn’t hurt you, but it should wake you up. Give good eye contact and exchange momentary pleasantries. In more personal settings, this may be omitted altogether.
    Rule n ° 79 Make us miss you sometimes. Don’t go overboard, but when executed with precision, there’s power in this. Trust me.
    Rule n ° 81 Be careful - a**holes wear suits, too. Don’t be fooled into thinking well-tailored clothes make him a gentleman. Classic gangsters wore classic suits well, as well.
    Rule n ° 83 Date people, not potential . If his potential doesn’t lead to his progress, then you’re just dating an idea. Don’t let potential blind you into thinking who he could be is who he is. Too many women are dating men with expired potential. If you’re succeeding in life and