How to Sit Like a Lady - 1968

I found a little book from 1968 the other day on how to move like a model. I thought you all might get a kick out of the rules in this book for basic movements most of us don't even think about. But if you've ever watched old films with women like Grace Kelly or Jackie Kennedy, you may have noted how they moved with poise and composure in public. They learned the rules and practiced. Today, let's look at "How to Sit".

1. Approach the chair holding your best posture. Turn so your back leg brushes against the chair seat.
2. Slide one foot back 2-3 inches under the chair seat.
3. Lower yourself into the seat keeping your head erect and your back straight. Most of your weight should be carried by the thigh of your back leg.
4. Ease down into the seat gracefully...don't flop.
5. For deeper seats or upholstered chairs where you can't slip your foot under, sit as above but on the edge of the seat. When seated, lift your weight slightly and slide back.
To rise from a sitting position, simply reverse the above steps. Lift yourself gracefully in one easy motion letting your back leg muscle do the work. Don't push up using the chair arms.

While seated, arrange your legs at a slight angle to avoid looking to square and boyish. Cross your legs at the ankles or knees. If crossing at the knees, be sure your skirt is long enough to cover your knees. Rest your hands in your lap, palms up.

If you are sitting in a slim skirt, you may have to sit a bit more forward in the chair to keep your knees discreetly covered. If you are sitting in a full skirt, place your hand behind you and grasp the center back of the skirt. Bring the skirt out to one side before you sit down.

Apparently, if you follow all these rules, you'll have all the men flocking around you!

Today, notice how you sit down and get up. Try the above rules. This method will probably feel alien and strange. Now move a chair in front of a mirror and compare how you look when sitting down normally and how you look sitting with the rules. Is there a difference? Which do you prefer?

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