“Honey, all I can say is I’m jealous:  You’re either headed to the White House for dinner or going to one hell of a wedding.

You wear:  a full-length dress - steer clear of lightweight floral prints and opt for richer fabrics in jewel tones, neutral, or black (avoid anything too risque’  this is not the time to show how great your cleavage is).  Pair it with elegant jewelry (think diamond’s and pearls, not turquoise and coral, however stylish), plus long gloves (which you take off when you eat).

Your guy wears:  Black tux pants, black dress shoes, a stiff wing-collar shirt (a store-employee can point out the difference), studs, cuff links, white waistcoat (a.k.a. vest) white tie, and black tailcoat.”

The Modern Girl’s Guide to Life by Jane Buckingham

‘courtesy’ (kûŕtĭ-sē)

(noun: pl., -sies.)

1. 1. Polite behavior.
   2. A polite gesture or remark.

I saw a courtesy van the other morning on the way home from dropping off the kids at school, and started thinking, what does courtesy really mean?   An unexpected smile, somebody letting you in front of them whilst driving or a woman or man holding the door open for you.  I still see it thank goodness.  It’s perhaps not seen to often, however I noticed that a smile, or a joke, a more relaxed face when you approach someone is more likely that they respond with courtesy.  I have become more relaxed the older I’ve grown, and I have noticed a remarkably positive response to this demeanor.  So, relax and smile, it’s said that, less stress = less wrinkles.  Hey… you might even get a compliment!