The code of conduct

The “science” of manners focuses on four major categories: personal presentation, public relations, time and place, simple and solemn ceremonies. These provide precise answers to the various questions that may arise, depending on one’s aims and circumstances.

Personal presentation tops the list of four basic principles, which apply to individual conduct.

Care for one’s appearance. In order to look personable, one must above all be clean. There is no excuse for poor hygiene and untidiness: filthy fingernails, decayed teeth, unruly hair, stained clothes, missing buttons or dusty, unpolished shoes... Physical cleanness is one of the manifestations of moral purity.

Harmony is one’s ability to choose the right combinations of clothes. An elegant person must have the taste to select a matching set of garment colors and accessories, while bearing in mind their own physical appearance and age, their surroundings and the activities they are involved in. Harmony is more important than any other aesthetic factor. Even fashion itself is merely a criterion for possible modifications.

Discretion is also a fundamental principle of good manners. A distinguished person does not dress in excessively bright colors, but prefers to wear simple-style clothes, light make-up and just enough jewelry. Their gestures and words are neither pompous, nor exaggerated. Such people try not to “strike the eye.”

Body language. To behave well means to leave the impression of constantly having full control over your body, feelings and speech. For example: do not drop down heavily when sitting. You must avoid excessive gesticulation, moodiness and loud laughter... Your gait must be moderately paced: no dragging feet or wild twists in the waist. Personal feelings, such as sadness or joy may be given expression to, but not in public.

When one makes good impression, they aim to please the others rather than satisfy some narcissistic needs.

Showing our best appearance to the others is simply a display of due courtesy.

Eva Kuvandjieva Napoleone
Villa Pierrefeu Institute, Switzerland