A Modern Girl's Guide to Etiquette: How to Get It Right in Every Situation

by Sarah Ivens

Have you ever felt out of your depth in a social situation? Not known what cutlery to use or how to fend off your boss's advances? This fun but essential 21st Century guide tells the modern girl what to do and how to behave in every situation. A Modern Girl's Guide to Etiquette gives tips, guidance and case studies on how to be cool calm and collected when entertaining, when out and about or simply meeting and communicating with others. Packed full of common dilemmas and advice as well as secrets of success and experience, this book is a must-have for every woman. Topics covered Basic rules for everyday manners, How to be a cool companion, The art of conversation, Success in the workplace, Sending out the right messages, Eating out, Being the hostess with the mostest, Being the perfect guest, and Handling the rude, crude, and undesirable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference

213 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2003

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was published back in 2004, so despite some out of date references, e.g. smoking and no-smoking sections existing in restaurants, the basics of etiquette are pretty much covered. I found it fairly enjoyable but I have to say that I did not agree with all the author had to offer, e.g. there is a section on being a good guest and "how to get invited back"; the story unfolds about some bad guests feeding their hostess' dog cannabis, okay, that teaches us how not to behave, but it's the next line that bugs me: "..but she was such a good hostess so tried to laugh it off and not make the offenders feel guilty" - HUH??!!? If that was me, the guests would now be ex-friends and the dog would leave a nasty surprise or two in their letter box!! Another downside to this book was that it felt like the author was writing for fairly well off girls who could afford to hire a private room and DJ for a party - nope, not me, think I'll stick to my homemade sauasage rolls and a mix tape (CD even)!

[Donna Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This old school book has the basics of etiquette for everyday situations.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started to be very promising. Quite a handful of helpful, practical tips on how to behave appropriately in every single social situation under the sun and how to make the best of it. From what to say when a friend is wearing an unflattering outfit to how to defuse a situation when your boss is hitting on you. It has a lot of British slang in it which the made reading it all the more amusing to me. Sure, it can get a little ABC but that's what I like. I wanted a basis of etiquette adapted to the modern girl.

However, something I greatly disliked popped up at the end of the book where the author, instead of teaching us how to behave properly and take the higher road, promotes a series of petty and ridiculous behaviors. For example, selling information to the tabloids if a vain celebrity got on your nerves. Really? That's ladylike? It's almost as if the author was sick and tired of writing how to be prim and proper and took the lesser road to add 'humor' to it. I'm guessing.

[Gabidok · Rating 3 out of 5]

it does what it promises, it a little cute, a little girly, a little funny and a little helpful. A nice girly and very quick reading anyway. you probably already know all they are telling you but it's nice to check just in case...

[Beth Ramsberg]

Must admit, I find this helpful!

[Sarah King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly outdated now on some points but still relevant...a great little book which provides useful tips without taking itself too seriously!

[Bernice Tuazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for girls who are not as exposed in the society. Who only dealt mostly with close friends and family.This has a modern touch for everything. Sometimes laid back people are not as particular as manners and etiquette and this one I believe is beneficial for those who wants to learn the basics.