10 Rules of Class

Alicia Purcell
Pi Beta Phi

As sorority women, we are held to higher standards. Most of us were raised in the South with true southern values. Our mothers and grandmothers were upstanding, respected women and expect us to be the same. Let’s be honest, we all made it into the Greek community at an SEC school for a reason - we’re classy. Here are my top 10 rules to being classy, courtesy of twitter.com/therulesofalady. But really, they should just be reminders for us all… right?

1.       Intelligence Is Attractive.

We are in college for a reason, ladies. Among other things, we are here to earn degrees so that we can support ourselves without depending on a man. Although, having a wealthy husband would be a plus because you would have double the money. But you won’t find him by playing dumb all the time. I have come to find that men are impressed by girls they can hold a conversation with - about politics, sports, anything.

2.       Little. Black. Dress.

Self-explanatory. Every classy girl needs one of these - for a date night, a formal, chapter meeting/ritual… I could go on forever. Buy one, and don’t forget the pearls!

3.       Keep Yourself Together.

Everyone knows that one girl who is always a hot mess. When people see that girl dashing into class without her pencil, with her hair in a knot and bar scars from Saturday night still on her hands, “classy” is the last thing that crosses their mind; unless it’s got a hint of sarcasm. We should all strive to be that other girl that we all know - the one who always looks perfect, has her life scheduled to a tee in her Lilly planner, is always 10 minutes early, and always participates in class.

4.       Less Is More… Most Of The Time.

This does NOT apply to clothes. It does, however, apply to many other things. Take Snooki for example. Less makeup, less fake tan, less alcohol, and she’s three steps closer to being classy… kind of. You get the point. If you have to ask if it’s too much, it probably is.

5.       Be Kind.

Again, self-explanatory. Be nice - to as many people as possible. The world could use more kindness. And people will always remember how you treat them. Hold the door for people, gather everyone’s trash from your friends’ lunch table, hold the elevator, help someone who is carrying too much. You get the point.

6.       Think Before You Speak.

This will get you a long way in life. Try to think about who you’re speaking to, what they’ll think about what you’re saying, and how it will make them feel. If it’s a secret, be 100 percent sure they can keep it. And always be aware of who else is in listening vicinity.

7.       Respect Yourself.

This goes along with number three, but to a greater extent. Everyone can tell whether you are confident and have self-respect or not. Never settle for less than you deserve. Stand up for yourself. Give everything your best effort so you never sell yourself short. Do not waste your time on a guy who doesn’t deserve you. Your time is precious. Everyone will respect and admire a lady who respects herself.

8.       It Will Always Get Better.

Tell yourself this whenever necessary. Always be an optimist, and look for the good in everyone and everything. No one likes being around a Debby Downer or someone who whines all the time. If you failed an exam, promise yourself to do better next time. If your boyfriend doesn’t treat you right, break up with him and another guy will come around. Everything happens for a reason, and good things come to those who wait.

9.       Never Betray Your Friends.

We’re all lucky to be blessed with 100+ sisters. Treat them right. Try your best not to gossip, and don’t ever lie about each other. Go out of your way for them, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you when you need it.

10.   The Original Is Always Better.

Don’t try to copy anyone. Be your own person. I’m not saying don’t follow trends, we all love them. Proof - I’m wearing Toms and a Patagonia at the moment.  Just add your own twist to whatever you do. If you’re a goofy dancer, embrace it. If you have funny jokes, don’t be shy in a big crowd. Find what makes you special and everyone will love you for it.

So I hope these were good reminders for everyone! If you want to see more, follow The Rules of a Lady on Twitter, or read her blog at etiquetteforalady.tumblr.com.