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I’ve been talking a lot about being a lady today, and it brought something to my mind. That is, the complications of being a lady in this modern age.
Back when real ladies were more common, they probably wouldn’t have worn pants, even though they were available. In today’s society, we enjoy pants, and there’s nothing wrong with them. Back in the day a woman with a tattoo would have been absolutely scandalous, but now it’s considered more acceptable, and if they’re thought out, there’s really nothing wrong with them. Piercings beyond the single earlobe type fall into the same category. Incredibly short hair would have been nearly a sin.
I think there’s certainly a challenge or two to be overcome for anyone who wants to be a lady in this day and age and still hold on to anything modern. I’ve noticed that some of the sites online mentioning ladylike conduct strictly forbid things like graphics on shirts, extra piercings, tattoos, combat boots, non-feminine jewelry and so on. I think that’s keeping things a little too rooted in the past. Not that their way is bad at all, I think it’s just a little restrictive to me.
I think being a lady is about how a woman carries herself and the qualities she possesses more than it is about how she looks, although appearance does play its role. I’ve always been of the belief that there needs to be balance in all things, and being a lady is one of those things. We don’t have to go back to the days of ankle-length skirts and pin curls to be ladies. We don’t need to relinquish our power or individuality to become courteous, genial, intelligent women.
Another complication of becoming a modern lady is the fast that positive, intelligent qualities aren’t well received in today’s society. Of course, I have already seen that begin to shift. The abhorrent behavior of celebrities and the younger generation have hit a sort of critical mass that’s making people reach back for the qualities that made us good people. Those who do are looked at strangely, but at the same time, they’re having a positive effect. People becoming ladies and gentleman again can also have a positive effect.
While there may be downsides to becoming a lady in this age, I think it’s worthwhile. Sometimes we need to bring a little of the old and mix it with a little of the new to get something that’s just right.
