AFFECTATION AND BAD FORM.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16596, 12 September 1925, Page 15 (Supplement)

AFFECTATION AND BAD FORM.

Pretension and affectation arq the anthithesis of good form. The little mannerisms which tho'young girl is apt to mistake in herself for expressions of her “personality” develop into affectations which are often irritating and always foolish. The pose of b'oredom is one .which is too often ill-advisedly assumed by the girl who thinks it makes her appear more experienced and “interesting.” She deliberately cultivates an air of weary tolerance where other people frankly express their pleasure. Before she is aware of it, she not only creates the impression that she is rude and disparaging, but finds herself left out in the cold, while her friends turn to thpse , who show a readier, and warmer interest in what goes. on. The cultivation of a “characteristic” attitude or gesture is bound to become an affectation and arijobvious one at that. Studied movements) of the hands, because the owner happens to possess nicely-shaped ones, or some good rings; the prominent display of a neat ar.lde; the disposal of valuable furs so that their worth and amplitude are not to be mistaken; a fidgety arrangement and rearrangement of toilet details, and'’ all such actions for the express purpose of drawing attention, aye affectations which ’ reach the stage of bad form. Some affectations take another line. We have all met the woman who persistently introduces what she call 3 a “French accent” and phrases into her conversation, because, as she is careful to inform everybody, she has only just come back from Paris;” and that other, who “couldn’t drink her tea without a slice of lemon in it," or “never touches white bread and butter,” and allows her hostess to adjust matters for her benefit in the midst of a tea-party. The assumption of “nerves” and poor health is a favourite excuse with women of the affected type. They cannot do this, or must really have that, because, they tell you, they are not very strong, or have another of those dreadful headaches they are always so liable to. And all with a strained sweet little smile asking for your sympathy. The- born-and-bred gentlewoman, however, is above these things, which are actually the pretensions whereby extreme youth and the social aspirant endeavour to draw attentions to themselves and raise interest. Unfortunately, however, they choose methods which they can least afford to use. The most charming and clever women arc always natural that is the secret of their attraction.