Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-04-08
DoN,Ts FOR DEBUTANTES.

Rules For Those Who Are About to Enter
or Have just Entered Society.
It is a good thing to have some rules
with which to work out life's problems,
and here are some that have been picked
up and tested by contributor to the
Washington Star and found to be good:
Always take it for granted that every
one means we'll by you unless you have
proof to the contrary. The average per-
son in society has a good natured, Or at
least cynical, sort of tolerance and lik-
ing for you. Very few actually hate you
or want to spite you. When you find out
that there is some one who does, don't
discuss it or quarrel about it if it can be
avoided. Just drop the person from your
life as completely as possible, and,
above all, never descend to abuse him or
her. 1t will hurt you worse than it will
your enemy. Never treasure up griev-
ance; it will grow out of all proportion
with nursing.
Don't snub other women and girls
just because there is man around. This
is the most fragrant fault of a girl who
has not learned relative values. The
man will not like you any better for
ignoring girl friend and earnestly de-
voting yourself to him. A great many
debutantes think their success depends
upon the men. 1t is sad mistake. 1t is
the married women and your girl COM
rades who can give you good time, or
not, in the end. Very few women dis
like you because Of your successes. It is
becauss of your Haunting them.
Never ignore older and married men.
They will not forgive it, and they WELD
mighty power.
Don't wonder what construction will
be put on everything you say, the way
you hold your head and the way you
laugh.
Don't wonder what people are think
ing of your pose, and your gown, and
your hands, and the position of your
feet. Ten to one they don t even see you,
and if they do they are not bothering
their heads about you. This is not kind,
but it is eminently true. A very young
girls worst fault is her self conscious
ness. 1t may be the consciousness Of her
shortcomings, but that is even more
vexing that an appreciation of her vir-
tues.
DONE be wondering what you will
say next. A pause is nothing deadly, if
you do not make it so. Probably by the
time you have finished saying what you
have i'll mind a new topic will be sug
gested. Trying to say scmething-any-
thing-to fill in hiatus is the most po
tent cause Of that mistake commonly
known as putting your foot in it.
Don't frequent tete-a tete corners.
Only experienced and much older girls
can do that with IMMUNITY.
Don't giggle, but, on the other hand.
don't look. as if you were at wedding
or funeral.
Use your eyes to say what it doesn't
happen to be practical to say with your
tongue.
If you happen to be left stranded for
one dance, never sit all alone on one
side of the wall to be pitied. Get up and
60 over to some group Of matrons, and
don't fancy that the whole room is
watching your transit. 1t is much too
busy talking and dancing. Here, again,
don't think of yourself. There is moth
ing so wretched as would be indif
ferent wallnower Che can't possibly
look as though size liked it, and there is
not tho least use in trying to smile it
Off
Above 81 things. never discuss an af-
fair where &c. we're failnre. Never
admit I J i ycle Il failure. Keep
quiet II :, a c.n t onsluse. 1t
doasn'' ,.it. tic G s.,.,ses.