Etiquette for All Occasions, Tuesday Evening (09/18)
Rochester had obviously had someone doing a little decorating since the class met last week. The classroom looked a bit more like a posh sitting room than a schoolroom. Rochester himself was lounging on a couch, and didn't look terribly inclined to get up.
"Today we'll be dealing with the etiquette of what you today seem to call dating," he said, as he eyed each of the students to see whether they'd remembered their assignment from the previous class. "Since you're all taking this class, I can assume that you don't feel confident in your ability to present yourself in a manner that's both pleasing and self-assured when in an intimate social situation. I'm sure you're right to feel this way."
From his spot on his couch, Rochester launched into a lecture on dating etiquette.
"Point One: Turning Down an Advance. With luck, perhaps some of you may actually find yourself in the position of being approached by someone vile. For God's sake, don't accept their proposal out of pity. Unless there's else you can get out of it, such as information or influence. One does what one must in that case. But there's no need to unduly insult the other person, either. Let them down easy, either with the excuse that you've got some pressing plans that cannot be avoided. If they're very persistent, it's always a useful tactic to have a deathly ill family member who lives out of town. Those dear old aunts can linger for years. If you absolutely cannot get the person to give up, suddenly spot a dear acquaintance that you absolutely must introduce the poor sot to. Then make the introduction and slip off before they finish with their greetings. You may, of course, have to make it up to your dear acquaintance at a later date.
"Point Two: Curfews. A ridiculous invention, but they do add a little spice to your social activities. You may have to be a little creative when it comes to getting around them, especially if you've got one of those dreadfully strict guardians. It's always useful to have a confidante who's willing to cover for your activities. Doesn't hurt to learn how to scale a low wall or climb a trellis either. Ladies, you'll have more trouble with this in all likelihood. But the best way to avoid being caught by a curfew is to make certain the person setting it thinks you're as pious as a nun. You'd be amazed at what goes on under some of those naive and virginal exteriors.
"Point Three: Who Should Pay. Honestly, this one should be simple. If you're trying to court someone, you'd better be prepared to pay for it. And I do mean pay. Go into debt if you have to, just be careful who holds your debts. Trying to woo your intended from debtors prison makes things so much more complicated. Also, do remember that expensive gifts are not going to guarantee you any activity in bed. If you want a sure thing, that's what the lightskirts are for. The point here is the pursuit, and pursuit can be expensive.
"Point Four: Introducing Your Date to Your Parents. Don't. Unless you've already eloped and married, or your date is some sort of royalty. God knows nothing can ruin a good bit of courting like getting your parents involved in it."
Then Rochester paused, drumming his fingers on the arm of the couch as he watched the students. "Your turn. I want each one of you to share your best 'pick up' technique. Lady Longstocking and I are available for you to demonstrate on."
Once the participation portion of the class was completed, Rochester waved a hand at a white board that someone had thoughtfully explained the purpose of. "Lady Longstocking, if you would be so kind as to handwavily take notes during this next discussion. Class, I desire your input on our first class project. A formal party, to be held in November, organized by all of you. Give me your ideas as to what needs to be included. Don't forget the little details, a party is only as good as the smallest perfect detail."
At the end of the discussion, Rochester smirked, and waved his hand dismissively at the students. "Go. Get out into the world and try not to embarrass me."
[ooc: The class really will be hosting a party, and each student will be in charge of something. You'll get to sign up for what you want to work on at next week's class, once I've got your ideas compiled. Please wait for OCD is up, have at!]
Class Roster & Linkdrop
[ETA for RADIO: Pleeeeease to not be broadcasting any reference to teacher/student flirtations. :D]
"Today we'll be dealing with the etiquette of what you today seem to call dating," he said, as he eyed each of the students to see whether they'd remembered their assignment from the previous class. "Since you're all taking this class, I can assume that you don't feel confident in your ability to present yourself in a manner that's both pleasing and self-assured when in an intimate social situation. I'm sure you're right to feel this way."
From his spot on his couch, Rochester launched into a lecture on dating etiquette.
"Point One: Turning Down an Advance. With luck, perhaps some of you may actually find yourself in the position of being approached by someone vile. For God's sake, don't accept their proposal out of pity. Unless there's else you can get out of it, such as information or influence. One does what one must in that case. But there's no need to unduly insult the other person, either. Let them down easy, either with the excuse that you've got some pressing plans that cannot be avoided. If they're very persistent, it's always a useful tactic to have a deathly ill family member who lives out of town. Those dear old aunts can linger for years. If you absolutely cannot get the person to give up, suddenly spot a dear acquaintance that you absolutely must introduce the poor sot to. Then make the introduction and slip off before they finish with their greetings. You may, of course, have to make it up to your dear acquaintance at a later date.
"Point Two: Curfews. A ridiculous invention, but they do add a little spice to your social activities. You may have to be a little creative when it comes to getting around them, especially if you've got one of those dreadfully strict guardians. It's always useful to have a confidante who's willing to cover for your activities. Doesn't hurt to learn how to scale a low wall or climb a trellis either. Ladies, you'll have more trouble with this in all likelihood. But the best way to avoid being caught by a curfew is to make certain the person setting it thinks you're as pious as a nun. You'd be amazed at what goes on under some of those naive and virginal exteriors.
"Point Three: Who Should Pay. Honestly, this one should be simple. If you're trying to court someone, you'd better be prepared to pay for it. And I do mean pay. Go into debt if you have to, just be careful who holds your debts. Trying to woo your intended from debtors prison makes things so much more complicated. Also, do remember that expensive gifts are not going to guarantee you any activity in bed. If you want a sure thing, that's what the lightskirts are for. The point here is the pursuit, and pursuit can be expensive.
"Point Four: Introducing Your Date to Your Parents. Don't. Unless you've already eloped and married, or your date is some sort of royalty. God knows nothing can ruin a good bit of courting like getting your parents involved in it."
Then Rochester paused, drumming his fingers on the arm of the couch as he watched the students. "Your turn. I want each one of you to share your best 'pick up' technique. Lady Longstocking and I are available for you to demonstrate on."
Once the participation portion of the class was completed, Rochester waved a hand at a white board that someone had thoughtfully explained the purpose of. "Lady Longstocking, if you would be so kind as to handwavily take notes during this next discussion. Class, I desire your input on our first class project. A formal party, to be held in November, organized by all of you. Give me your ideas as to what needs to be included. Don't forget the little details, a party is only as good as the smallest perfect detail."
At the end of the discussion, Rochester smirked, and waved his hand dismissively at the students. "Go. Get out into the world and try not to embarrass me."
[ooc: The class really will be hosting a party, and each student will be in charge of something. You'll get to sign up for what you want to work on at next week's class, once I've got your ideas compiled. Please wait for OCD is up, have at!]
Class Roster & Linkdrop
[ETA for RADIO: Pleeeeease to not be broadcasting any reference to teacher/student flirtations. :D]