Luann's What Would The Countess Do? Column

Post from OK magazine.

What Would the Countess Do?: Declining Invitations; Public Revenge

Author: LuAnn de Lesseps

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 she tackles declining invitations and taking revenge on an ex in public.

Where there’s a wedding, there are a series of parties before the actual wedding; and the same follows for babies, all events that. How do you either politely decline an invite to yet another occasion — or how do you get away with not sending a present for each event, without coming off as stingy?
I have a lot of friends and receive more invitations than I can accept. If I cannot attend an event, I respond as soon as possible so that my host can invite someone else in my place. For close friends, I send a gift regardless of my attendance. For acquaintances, if I attend the event, I give a gift but if I don’t attend, I send my congratulations with my RSVP.

Tip: When declining an invitation, never complain or explain. Simply say, “I have other plans for that evening.” Always RSVP!

WHAT WOULD THE COUNTESS DO?: OVERPROMOTING YOURSELF; HITTING THE BEACH!

Paris Hilton had a DJ announce that her ex-boyfriend Doug Reinhardt should leave the St. Tropez dance club, Les Caves du Roy. He left with his head down shortly thereafter. Is it okay to publicly embarrass your ex just because he’s in the same club?
Paris Hilton should be embarrassed by her behavior at Les Caves du Roy when she had the DJ ask her ex-boyfriend to leave simply because she was uncomfortable with his presence. I was just at this club and I can assure you that it is plenty big enough for two exes to coexist without creating a scene. She was selfish and inconsiderate to her ex-boyfriend and she made herself look bad, not him. Potential suitors should be aware of the risk of humiliation that comes with having dated Paris Hilton.

Tip: Be gracious to ex-lovers. Like I sing in my song, money can’t buy you class!

Photo:Wire Image