how to become a southern belle in 19 steps (or less).

While I love, love, love WikiHow to learn how to make a ribbon bow or change the oil in my car, I believe its far less equipped to teach society or families on how to produce a Southern belle. But nonetheless it took on that challenge, and in as little as 19 steps! Let's see if it works.

1. To be a southern belle you must first be presented into society, which means a debutante ball or cotillion. 
2. A true southern belle has perfect manners. Read up on your table manners, and make sure to always practice them. When you bump into someone accidentally, say "Excuse/Pardon me", when someone gives you a compliment, smile and say "Thank you!". And of course, always be polite to everyone.
3. Respect your elders. Call anyone you meet "Ma'am" and "Sir", unless told to do otherwise.
4. Add the nicknames "Sugar", "Sweetheart", "Darlin'", "Lamb", and "Baby", to your vocabulary, and start calling your friends that. Don't overdo it though!
5. Make sure you always dress well, and are presentable at all times. Do not wear clothes that are too revealing. Southern belles love wearing dresses, pearls, heels, and nice jackets. Invest in a few nice, casual dresses if you can.
6. Keep yourself looking clean and neat. Bathe every day, wear a light perfume, keep your hair looking nice and clean, keep your nails manicured and polished, and never cake on the make up!
7. Southern Belle's are very family oriented. Always help out your family, spend quality time with them, and love them. Call your Mother, "Momma", and call your Father, "Daddy", regardless of how old you are!
8. Take compliments well. When you're complimented, do not try to shoot down the compliment. When someone says "You look very pretty today!", smile warmly and say "Thank you! I love your ---!". Complimenting them back shows that you're a sweet, kind person.
9. Smile! A southern belle always has a bright, warm smile on her face.
10. Have Southern hospitality. A southern belle is sweet, kind, and generous to everyone they come across. This is where "Southern Hospitality" comes in to play. If you don't like someone, still be polite and sweet. And if you can't, simply do not say anything!
11. Learn how to make sweet tea! Offer it to everyone who visits your home. It's a Southern staple, and tastes delicious!
12. Do your momma a favor, and clean the house for her a few times a month. Doing chores for your Momma shows that you care, and respect all the sacrifices she does for you!
13. Finish school. A southern belle has an education, and a good head on her shoulders.
14. Don't drink excessive amounts of alcohol. A Southern belle would never be caught singing drunk in her panties.
15. Never swear. Use euphemisms instead. Say "Darn" instead of "D-mn", and so on. Swearing shows a lack of intelligence, it sounds dirty, and it's completely unnecessary.
16. Never speak of using the restroom to anyone. If you need to use the restroom, simply excuse yourself.
17. Southern belles are very religious. Respect your religion, and those of others, as well. God is your number one go-to advice-giver.
18. Have a genuine, sweet, down-to-earth attitude.
19. Pay attention to how you present yourself. Hold your head up high, sit up straight, and have a neat, groomed appearance.