Alright gentle readers (yes, I'm stealing from Miss Manners,) today on a This Makes Me Crazy Monday, I have a pop quiz for you.

It's all about one's personal style: not just a wardrobe, but how one relates socially.  After all, your mother, or grandmother, was right: Pretty is as pretty does.

Now, no groans - it's not like a school quiz.  It's fun - and SHORT.  But if you answer incorrectly, the Good Manners Contingent will show up at your door and beat you!  Oh, I guess that would be bad manners in and of itself. 

OK, here we go:

1. Someone says to you, "You are so beautiful/ handsome."  You answer:

• A - Yeah, it's amazing what plastic surgery can do these days.
• B - Oh, I know.
• C - Why, thank you!
• D - Have you had an eye exam lately?

2. Someone says to you, " Oh, you're kid is just adorable."  You answer:

• A - Thanks, he/she's a pretty good kid.
• B - You've obviously never seen them at home!
• C - Oh, I know.
• D - Yeah, but just try getting him out of bed in the morning.

If you answered anything other than C on Question 1 - forty lashes.

If you answered anything other than A on Question 2 - forty lashes.

What's up with people not knowing how to respond to a compliment anymore?  The proper answer is a simple thank you.  Period.  If you want to elaborate a bit - fine.  But I've seen more people make total asses of themselves because they responded badly to another's compliment.

And why is it important?  I don't give a rip what you're wearing, what you're driving, what you're house looks like.  If you don't have basic good manners - simple common courtesy with a little humility thrown in - then you get a big fat "F" for having no style (or class.)

Not long ago I met a young person and was charmed by their friendliness, sense of humor and attractiveness.  When the young one left the room I remarked to the mom what a great kid she had.  Did she say thank you?  No, she gave the "C" answer: "Oh, I know."

"Oh, I know!"  Are you kidding me?  At that point I felt like adding, "Too bad the kid has such a moron for a parent."  Needless to say, I didn't voice that thought; but, my opinion of the mom went down considerably.

Having great personal style encompasses more than a designer wardrobe, or a knack for putting a look together; it's also about your face to the world.  Is your style charming and well mannered - or self centered and boorish?

I'll take some humility please, with a side of good manners.