Gentlewoman: Etiquette for a Lady, From a Gentleman by Enitan O. Bereola

allows you to rise above an error, mistake or blunder. Once you’ve crossed that bridge, put it behind you and the sufferer. Don’t wallow in the moment any longer than comfort and decorum permits. It’s over.
    Rule n ° 91 Forgiveness : Death probably feels better than betrayal. The sharp sensation of having your heart seized, torn and discarded is one of the most severe of human emotions. At least when you die, there’s no residual feeling of death. It’s just poof, and you’re gone! But when you’re emotionally beaten to a bloody pulp while conscious, forgiveness sounds like a foreign language.
    Let’s not confuse things – forgiveness doesn’t restore trust, but it’s an opportunity to rebuild it. It’s not about wiping away consequences; it’s about creating possibilities. We were created to love. What’s the purpose of a heart if it doesn’t love? What’s the purpose of life without a heart? Sometimes you have to accept apologies you never received. Forgive without residual anger.
    Many of you are more forgiving than we are. But sometimes the most difficult person to forgive is you. God has already forgiven you – it’s about time you do the same for yourself.
    Rule n ° 93 Business and Pleasure: Climbing the ranks in business doesn’t require climbing into a man’s pants. You don’t have to make your neck hurt to network. You get to the top with your mind, not your mouth!
    Rule n ° 95 Learn something new every three months: Challenge yourself to get beyond yourself. When you make a commitment to growth, your life will feel enriched in areas unimagined.
    Rule n ° 97 Pray: It changes the things that people can’t change.
    Rule n ° 99 Eat alone : Life isn’t about waiting for moments to happen. You don’t have to wait for a date to eat well or wait for marriage to start living. Catch a decent movie, a good meal and some nice wine–alone. Sometimes you have to pick your own flowers. Never wait for anyone else to love you before you do.
    Instead, be too preoccupied with loving yourself to be simply swayed by some simpleton’s swagger. A woman who knows how to enjoy her own company is a damn attractive woman.
    It’s no wonder “me” comes before “men” in the dictionary. In order to secure the latter, you must first secure the aforementioned.
    Rule n ° 101 Forget the rules . Sometimes some rules must be broken. If you’ve found someone who loves you like crazy and you love that person like crazy, be crazy in love. Make it work!
    Tact: “It is tact that is golden, not silence .” -Samuel Butler
    Tact is the art of knowing when to shut up. It’s an art. It’s a calculated awareness and sensitivity to others and your environment. People without tact have bad taste. They justify tactlessness with keeping it real . Keeping it real is respected, but having tact is admirable. Tell the truth in a way that doesn’t set out to offend. Tact is placing “Pleasantries” at the end of a harsh statement to soften the blow. Keep it classy or keep it to yourself.
    Tipping Tips: If you can afford to enjoy life’s little luxuries, you can afford to tip. Knowing whom to tip and how much can be an issue. Think of it like this: People who do services for you that you’re capable of doing yourself likely fit the description of who you should give gratuity to. Here a just a few examples:
     
Hairstylist: 20 percent is average. In the past, salon owners refused customer tips. But today, owners who provide services should be tipped. However, the owner may refuse tips out of consideration for employees who make a lower salary. If several people are working on your hair, they might all expect gratuity. Let the owner know your preference before arrival so you’re not penny-pinched.
Spa/Massage Therapist: 15-20 percent.
Pet Groomer: 15-20 percent for appreciation, 30 percent if they went the extra mile, or simply whatever you can afford.
Restaurant Servers: 15-20 percent depending on the style of restaurant