Even though there are no 'rules" in the Red Hat Society, some chapters have chosen to adopt the term "Please-No's". While it is our intent to have fun and laugher with our Social Butterflies sisters, we may sometimes forget these obvious "Please-No's", so do not be offended if a fellow red hatter politely says "time to change the subject". There are reasons our events are filled with laughter, and our members have become good friends who love each other and respect each other's individuality.
Here then, are the "Please-No's":
Please-No complaining about your health problems.
Please-No complaining about your spouse (or lack of one), your mother, mother-in-law, children, boss, neighbors, etc.
Please-No politics. We respect each other's right to their own opinions and beliefs, and do not discuss religion, politics, or other controversial subjects at our events.
Please-No bad-mouthing or gossiping about sister Butterflies.
Please-No whining. If you are unhappy with an event, and feel the need to voice your opinion, please respect others at the event, and hold your comments until you can address with the event coordinator (in private).
LUNCHEONS: Please remember to send your RSVP to Queen Mum, or the Gal who has graciously volunteered to coordinate a specific event. It is common knowledge in the Red Hat Society network, that finding space for large groups can be difficult. So, we ask that you let us know if you will or will not be attending a scheduled event, so we can have an exact head count for the restaurant. We understand that emergencies arise from time-to-time, but keep in mind, that it is common courtesy to RSVP when asked to do so. If you do not RSVP, do not be surprised or upset if there is no seating space for you. Important reminder: members who miss over 6 consecutive events without discussing it with the Queen Mum or Vice Queen may be dropped from "active" membership and placed on the "inactive" members list.
RED HAT ETIQUETTE: Remember, when going to an event such as the theater, concert, or movie, please remove your hat so as not to obstruct the view from people who may be seated behind you. Do not assume that they will be able to see around your bodacious chapeau. Remember - "When the lights go down, the hats come off." No one can see "hat hair" in the dark. If you are someone who is truly distressed about the possibility of hat hair, please choose a colorful ribbon or hair trimming instead, keeping in mind that the height of your adornment may still cause obstruction to those behind you.
Girlfriends
Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't call when they say they will. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end.
BUT.......... Girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, your girlfriends will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out.