Not what you'd expect. Written and published in 1960 this is not a book about etiquette or charm as would lead from conventional thought. This is a book stuffed with wonderful advice on how to live your best life!
A friend once summed up Arlene Francis' wonderful magnetic quality by saying, "Arlene is the only person I know who acts as though life were the best party she ever attended." Like the Pied Piper, she attracts droves of people who flock around, hoping that some of the sparkle will rub off on them.
Now in this witty and helpful book Arlene reveals the secrets of genuine charm-a charm that emanates from a person because he is fully himself. She says, "Counterfeit charm is worse than none at all," and tells you how to avoid the sandpaper personality, the infectious yawn, the phony glamour of superciliousness and how to develop true, warmhearted charm.
"It isn't easy to be your best self," Arlene Francis admits, "but if you dare to be yourself-completely-you might be in for a pleasant surprise." Life for you, too, may become "the best party you ever attended."
Excerpts from "The Magic of Charm":
"Charm and hate are mutually exclusive. They cannot coexist. Like a healthy-looking plank, which suddenly crumbles when you touch it, you might be able to maintain appearances for quite a while with a strenuous hate under your belt, but sooner or later it will get you before you get it. The ironic part is that hate is bound to hurt you more than the person or object hated."
"Our trust should be an affectionate one. One which helps us belong with whatever community we exist in and yet still retain our own individuality. This is not as difficult as it sounds. We remain individual by becoming our best selves; we remain organized in our communities by maintaining a warm and vital interest in others."
"Charm is really the best part of yourself. It's the throwing off of the bad part, and the highest and most loquacious expression of the good part. It's not some-thing that is assumed or dragged into the picture. It's not a new Easter outfit you put on for a parade up Fifth Avenue."