Good Taste

This is such a fun subject but one that some people will never understand or care about. The world turns and there are many different people under the sun. Maybe the people who DON'T care are the ones who have it right. However, there is such a thing as "good taste" and to get it right you have to know the rules. To get it really right you must put your own spin on it without going into distasteful territory. In fact, the more rules you are able to break successfully, the more tasteful you are. Anyway...I think living within the boundaries of good taste can be good for you morally, spiritually, and socially. We are social beings and we care what others think of us, even if you care less than most. The first, and most important, thing you need to know about good taste is to be considerate of others- Don't wear clothes that show your bum. No surprise body parts on display. Open the door for others and don't interrupt in a conversation. Secondly, wear clothes that are currently in style and fit. This does not mean that all clothes that are "in" should be worn. Good taste is not elusive. It is actually common sense. If a blouse seems too provocative or too edgy, it most likely is. Avoid trends that don't flatter your figure. There is always something for everyone within any given season. If you always have basic staples like plain jeans, button down shirts, a business skirt, jacket, and the like, you will be safe. Thirdly, Don't use words that generalize. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Do not be inconsiderate, but be direct. If you are witty, add a few jokes to your conversation. Don't pretend you know what you don't and don't drop names or brag. Don't talk about your hardships unless that subject is brought up or you are in an intimate, private conversation. Don't speak ill of others, even if everyone else is doing it. Their intended wit will shame them later on and they will remember how you kept yourself free from the fray. Fourthly, buy within your means but don't settle for sub-par. Even if you are ashamed of your lowly job do not tell this to others unless they are your best friend. You should make the best of what you have. Buy higher quality but just have less of it. People are impressed with a small apartment decorated perfectly, but they walk away empty from a house with many rooms and no furnishings of note or comfort. Fifthly, be clean and punctual. These imply professionalism, courtesy, and pride in oneself. Sixthly, take good care of your things and your relationships. Keep up on the maintenance required or you will lose both. Next, keep your virtues at your sleeve and your faults at bay. People pick up on your faults quickly but it may take awhile for the effect of your virtues to manifest. By giving a good impression as often as you can, you avoid conflict and a poor reputation. Everyone has faults, having them does not make you necessarily a bad person, but if you don't keep them in check people will be run off even if they like you. Lastly, vulgarity of any sort is out of line. Too much eye liner or lip liner gives off a vulgar impression. Crude language or contempt for the law is also vulgar. Vulgarians don't have to be ignorantly poor, they can come from the richest circles of NYC. Good taste can't be faked. Either you have it or you don't.