What Would the Countess Do?: Planning a Family; Saying No

When it comes to etiquette, manners and overall good behavior, even celebrities need help navigating the rough waters of stardom! It’s a good thing Countess LuAnn de Lesseps of The Real Housewives of New York is joining forces with OK! to school them on the right thing to do! In a rough situation, we just ask, “What Would the Countess Do?” This week the Countess chimes in on planning a family and saying no. WHAT WOULD THE COUNTESS DO? PARTY ACCIDENTS; AWARDS SHOW FASHIONS How do you approach the topic of having kids with your significant other, when you both have different ideas of when to start a family? It is very important for a couple to be on the same page about having a family before they get married, and it is best to work this out when you are both relaxed and open to hearing your partner’s concerns. Your significant other might be hesitant to start a family right away because of money, career, or other goals but I’ve found that there is never a perfect time to have children. If having a family is a deal breaker for your relationship, it is better to know before you go (down the aisle). Tip: Man plans, God laughs. WHAT WOULD THE COUNTESS DO?: A TIME FOR GIFTS; PUTTING UP WITH LATE PALS Saying no—in any situation (work, social life, as a parent)—can be hard. How do you turn someone down without damaging your relationship with them? One of the hardest words to say (or hear) is no! At work, if you feel that you can’t take on additional responsibilities, speak up but be prepared to accept your boss’s decision. Parents have an obligation to teach children that no means no, especially when it comes to their health and safety. If a friend is offended when you say no to an invitation and you’ve explained why, then it’s their problem. We are all busy and have to prioritize our time. Tip: Remember, when saying no, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. LuAnn has released an iPhone app called Countess Luann available through the Apple Store. For all information please go to her website www.luanndelesseps.com. For everything Countess LuAnn, check out www.luanndelesseps.com, follow her on Twitter and check out her Facebook page!