When we discuss manners, one of our objectives is to make others feel comfortable.  As part of that objective, this week we will be discussing a topic that while, very personal, also goes a long way to helping others feel comfortable around us.

This week we are to talk about personal hygiene.

Personal hygiene involves the things we do to keep ourselves healthy and clean.

There are a couple of reasons personal hygiene is important.

1. Taking care of our bodies helps keep us healthier.
2. Being clean and healthy just feels better.
3. Having a clean and healthy personal appearance helps us put our best selves forward.

Like it or not, people make instant judgments about others when they meet them.  Some of the judgments have to do with how the other person acts, but others have to do with how the person looks…and smells.

It is not about having the perfect nose or the right hair color.  It is about how you keep yourself.

People just tend to steer away from people who are dirty and smell bad.  You may be the most kind, wonderful person in the world, but if your clothes are torn and dirty, your breath smells, your hair is greasy and messy, and your body is dirty and stinky, people may never know how wonderful you are.

I can hear some of you out there saying, “But I am not supposed to care what others think of me.”  And that is true.  We must let our own light shine and be who we are, following our own values and dreams.

But why not just do a few things each day to keep yourself healthy, feel better, and make those around you feel comfortable?

Also, be aware of the messages you intend to send with your look.  Clothing, make-up, and accessories help send our signal to the world of who we are.  Decide the message you want to send and dress accordingly.