Etiquette Boss: Curbside courtesy

YOUR BEST INVESTMENT: Etiquette for Children

Car Etiquette

Contrary to popular belief that young men do not care about etiquette, I have found most young men to be quite open, or even eager to learn anything that would give them a suave edge or increase their female attraction quotient.

Centuries ago, etiquette was taught only to young men. European aristocrats sent their sons on perilous journeys to Italian courts to learn the rules of etiquette to prepare them for leadership.

Today’s tip is dedicated to modern young men who may aspire to leadership or simply want to take a young lady to a prom or on a date.

It is said that “the only door a man should enter before a lady is a revolving door.” This is generally correct, as a man should only go before a lady when it is for the purpose of helping her; either down the stair, at a curb, etc.

Some etiquette experts dictate that when both genders are to sit in the back seat of a car, the man should apologize and get in first, pull himself behind the driver and allow the lady to enter last. This avoids awkward exposure if she is wearing a short dress.

However, few men know this rule and even fewer ladies. Many young women would think it rude if the man entered a car first.

The perfect compromise is to suggest your teenage son open the curbside door for the young lady, seat her and then go around to his seat behind the driver. She should enter ‘back first’ and swings both legs in last, thus eliminating the problem of indecent exposure, whether or not there is an observer.

YOUR BEST APPEARANCE: Reduce a turkey neck through exercise

A turkey neck can add years to a person’s appearance even if the face has no wrinkles.

If you have a lot of hanging skin, these exercises may not help significantly. However, if your neck is showing signs of aging, try these exercises every night and morning.

Moisturize your neck. Sit or stand with your mouth closed and chew about 20 times. Rest and repeat twice.

Secondly, roll your lips over your teeth and open your mouth as wide as possible. Tilt your head backward and hold for 30 seconds. Rest and repeat twice.

Phillipa Morrish is the president of Etiquette Training International.