The thought of a futuristic world was fascinating. One could hear sonic booms around the county and knew it had something to do with supersonic jets like the X-15 or 58-Hustler. Instead of it being something of dread; I looked to the future of brightness, shiny surfaces like Rodger Dean art and the Jetsons.

Ah the Monorail! What a romantic mode of travel ! However, public transportation of all kinds carries with it many etiquette challenges. Ladies, do you know how to sit properly in public transport? I thought not. Let’s turn now to _Secrets of Charm_ by John Robert Powers and Mary Sue Miller (1954).

That John Robert Powers! He wants all women everywhere to look and behave like models at all times, in all situations! Thus his prescription for, as he calls it, “Sittin’ Pretty.” And yes, the kicky “n’” is his, not mine.

“You will never collect all your charm credits if you consider getting in and out of a chair as a mere functional act of your own concern. How you comport yourself makes an impression on witnesses, just as surely as a seismograph records an earthquake. Bounce and flounce as you seat yourself and you are certain to be thought too young in years or too kittenish in approach to be taken seriously. Heaves and hoists center focus on awkwardness, overweight and age. Grace control connotes a discriminating charm that extends far beyond the act itself.”

“Sittin’ Pretty” includes foot positions, shoulder squaring, and several arm and hand poses. Let’s get,then, to what will help on the Monorail: “Sittin’ Tight”:

“In this jam-packed world, it may well happen that you will not on occasion to have space to dispose yourself in the ‘Sittin’ Pretty’ position … But there is no reason why lack of space should ever be allowed to affect graceful looks. There is a way to sit in small areas that, although practical and comfortable, is still charming.

Stand in front of your seat and wheel about-face. (Don’t back into the seat; it’s like backing a horse into a stable.) As you turn, see that your feet are together and that the backs of your legs touch the seat. With both control and dignity, lower yourself to sit squarely on your ‘sittin” bones, and when seated, draw the right heel into the left instep, keeping both legs perpendicular to the floor and the knees together. (Just let the knees gape and you’ll look ten pounds heaver!) It’s only in a stampede that you should ever draw the legs under you. As a final fillip, rest your clasped hands in your lap or atop your purse.”

Mr. Powers goes on to remind, “Sit neither as a sack of meal nor as a moving target. Sit still — dynamically still. It is both a captivating attitude and a social grace — one over which few damsels can claim mastery.” Practice at home, ladies. I believe you can master dynamically still sitting!

Now, anyone for a nibble of fudge from a delightful confectionery on Mainstreet?

xoxo!
Miss Sharon