As a Lady Would Say: Responses to Life's Important (and Sometimes Awkward) Situations

GentleManners Books

by Sheryl Shade

Have you ever been in a situation in which you were caught off guard, left speechless, or, worse yet, put your foot in your mouth?

So much depends on being a lady. A true one knows that the question, “How are you today?” isn’t an invitation for her to unload the day’s ordeals. She knows that her unsolicited opinion of a friend’s fuzzy lime green sweater dress isn’t necessary, and she certainly knows better than to nag or spout gender clichés when the man in her life refuses to stop and ask for directions.

As a Lady Would Say is every  woman’s guide to being delicate in an indelicate world of awkward situations, difficult people, and thorny social dynamics. Sheryl Shade’s clever cataloging of real-world scenarios is a humorous look at how a lady should respond in any number of life’s irksome situations, along with a guide to which words should never leave her mouth. Get ready to question your own feminine sensibilities, and examine the way you interact with the world around you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Communication, Self Help, Social, Lifestyle

208 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2004

Reviews

[Coqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book, I would like to force in high schools and colleges.

Although much of the things there is common sense, and plain ettiquete we forget that sometimes most people lack of common sense, so is refreshing to see an ettiquete book with simplistic writing (so who ever picks the book can understand it), real situations, and phrases you can use in real life without sounding conceited.

And I like that it explains that a woman is considered a lady by her education and by the way she treats others rather than by looks, clothing or social status.



It would be a plus if you could have a teacher like this to show you how to apply the theory int he book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is helpful -- somewhat. And entertaining -- somewhat. The advice all seems pretty solid, even if some of it should be common sense.

[Veronica Marquardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short. Simple. Yet extremely helpful to remind one of life’s simplistic characteristic: manners!

[eilatan eega · Rating 5 out of 5]

very old fashioned and helpful

[Veronica Blair Ewing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not to be taken too seriously! In a good way.

I always like to remind people that while there are some rules for how to behave in certain social situations...most of these are general guidelines or suggestions. Mostly I think etiquette is about how to remain as empathetic and kind as possible, eliminating rudeness and callousness whenever possible.

I like this book, I believe Miss Shade has given us very good guidelines as well as including some well meaning humor in it as well. Also...etiquette definitely changes with time!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall it was a cute book but not too helpful. Most of the responses to 'important' or 'awkward' situations were the exact same: If you don't have something nice to say don't say it at all.

I was hoping for some more information on proper and well-mannered communication and conversing. But that being said it was still a cute book and I can see why other individuals liked it.

[Emy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know one person who should not read this book. It is about the way that you treat yourself, and about commanding respect of others by demonstrating your self-respect. So well-written. I LOVED it.

[BookMouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK, nothing really that helpful. There were some good lines I think will be very useful.

[V Tedder · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was all pretty much common sense stuff but it is pretty good to read it in print as a reminder about how to deal with life’s situations.

[Stephen Chung · Rating 1 out of 5]

An exact carbon-copy of "As a Gentleman would Say."

[Lynn Lumayag-Bardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have learned quite a few lines. Wish there was a lot more! It surely is a keeper ;).

[Eleanor]

quick read but a lot of it is common sense dressed up very prettily. It is nice to see social graces in practice.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was a waste of my time. Overly simplistic writing , predictable situations, basic common sense .

[Ann Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Interesting

I was reminded of several things I've which could have been handled better. Amusing while not to uppity or outlandish.

[Brittany Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit old-fashioned, but feels essential.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just like books on Etiquette and this one is written with a good dose of humour.

[FSU Alumni]

Sheryl Shade (B.S. '80)