What is a Lady?

We were enjoying a homeschool park day with a large group of fellow homeschoolers. The girls were enjoying the sunshine, which has been slow in coming this spring. I was enjoying the opportunity to interact with other grownups. Even better, geeky grownups who like to talk about obscure historical information and curriculum reviews. Oh I'm sure we covered blogging too.

All of a sudden one of the moms nudged me and nodded toward Meg. Mrs. Busybody was talking with Meg and she seemed a little heated. The group of women I was standing with all hushed as we tried to hear what was being said. The part I picked up was "I am raising my sons to be Godly gentlemen. I have not raised them to deal with such unlady like behavior. You are too old to be acting in such an inappropriate way and if your mother hasn't raised you to be a lady then it is my job to let you know how to behave in public." There was more but this give you good idea of where it was going.

I walked over to find out what mischief my darling girl had gotten into. Over all I think that Meg is a really good kid, but like most kids she doesn't always think through all aspects of a situation before acting. (ok neither do I.)

As I approached Mrs. B's tone changed, a lovely smile came on her face and she told me there was a little "incident" but she had taken care of it. She went on to explained that "since she and her husband were working so hard to raise Godly gentlemen" she felt she needed "to cover a few ground rules." I put on my biggest smile, thanked her for her concern and gently lead Meg to the bathroom.

Girl-Mom advantage, we can find a great place to talk in private!

"Ok kid, spill it, what happened?" I waited to hear what incident I was either going to have to punish her for or find a way to smooth over. "The boys were playing with Frisbees and having a war. I asked if I could play too." Ok, I'm thinking, and maybe it got physical and my brown belt creamed her son? I'm cringing inside. The boys were older then Meg, but Meg's got a good six to nine inches on Mrs. B's boys. "So what happened next?" "I stared throwing Frisbees that was it." "No physical contact?" "Nope"

Ok, I'm steaming now. My kid is getting a tongue lashing because she wants to play Frisbees???? That's not lady like???

Parenting someones else's child aside, I'm restraining myself for another post when I'm calmer, I want to know, what does it mean to have Lady Like behavior? Are there any ladies left in 2008?

My mom always told me that a lady guards her tongue, doesn't use foul language, is kind and compassionate to those around her, doesn't gossip, dresses modestly, and cares for her family. I'm sure there is a lot more but you get the general idea.

I have tried to do the same with my girls. But I've never restricted their physical activities because they were girls. I don't require them to wear dresses. We are a blue jeans and tennis shoes family! (The high heels and make-up can wait, I'm not even old enough for that!)

So I wanted to know from you. What makes a woman a lady?