10 June, 2011 at 2:13 AM

by Dana Gornitzki

Albert Camus once said: "Charm is the way of getting the answer yes without asking a clear question."

So very true, although it does seem that in our hurried lives not many people are using their charm. It's so simple: a smile, saying please and thank you, waiting in a queue...

Have manners disappeared or are the chaos and manic pace of our modern ways the main obstacles to a happy, relaxed and more charming existence?

Life can be so pleasurable by indulging in seemingly simple pursuits: a dose of gentler living, playful activities, engaging in sport, the company of others, a bit of fresh air…

Think back to when you were just your wee self and had activities after school to look forward to: running around care free, socialising with your friends, enjoying physical recreation, and dedicating time to your meals (yes, imagine!).

At Charm School, you won’t have to imagine because the weekend will be full of polite fun, frolic, and time to repose (naturally).

(Say au revoir to this feeling with MIEN Magazine’s Charm School)

The aim of Charm School is to focus on polishing social graces, while recapturing that very feeling you so enjoyed when you had no worries in the world.

With a splash of practical skills, a measure of downtime, and frolicking in the outdoors, the outcome can only be winsome. You see, exemplary etiquette is not about being hoity toity (we’re not talking about curtseying or the precise placement of the dessert fork). Quite the contrary, charm comes from appreciating the small things, rubbing elbows with new people, and being more genteel -- away from the hustle bustle and harnessing that feeling upon returning to the big smoke.

The weekend is brought to you by MIEN Magazine -- a digital space that enjoys musing about social graces and customs, by exploring the way we live in the contemporary (by sometimes pointing out the impolite and vulgar).

Stepping out of the internet cannon and into the physical world, the Charm School’s pilot weekend will take place at the lovely West Lexham in the heart of the Norfolk countyside, where I shall be your hostess and Mistress of Manners with a special guest or two.

(More of these polite pursuits at Charm School)

Yes, it’s time to put away the modern gadgetry and focus on being – well – more charming.

Please join us at the Charm School on June 24^th through to June 26^th at West Lexham.

Link here for details on the course including fee, accommodation options, and transport information.

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Dana Gornitzki is the Editor and Founder of MIEN Magazine

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Announcement:

We are running a special competition for two lucky people to attend the inaugural weekend of the Charm School at West Lexham.

The winner will stay in a nook that sleeps two and will be able to attend the course with a friend or lover for the price of one.  Yes, it’s true: win two nights in a cosy nook and two people attend Charm School for one course fee.

To win, please answer the following:

Why do you need to attend Charm School? And where will you apply your refined social graces?

Please email info@mienmagazine.com and we will notify the winner by June 17^th to discuss the arrangements.

 (The nook you could win a 2-night stay in for you and a friend or lover at Charm School)

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