How to Be A Bad Girl

By Elisabeth Salemme

Every modern girl needs a little help to get through life's thorny predicaments. And those predicaments routinely include one-night stands and going topless on the beach--at least according to British publisher Debrett's, which since 1769 has been recording aristocratic genealogies and setting forth the rules of proper behavior. The new book Debrett's Etiquette for Girls dictates how to dress on a first date ("All men will weaken at a bit of slinkiness"), how best to gossip (Rule No. 1: "Watch your back"), and what to do when encountering celebrities ("Exploit their insecurities, butter them up, but keep it brief"). It also gives advice on--gasp!--how to cheat on your husband or boyfriend ("Cover your tracks"). Um, isn't this tacky or even a bit--dare we say it--declasse? "We decided it was time for a bit of a change," says editor Jo Aitchison. "Etiquette will be a survival guide for modern life while becoming a trusted friend as well." Yes, the kind of friend your mother never wanted you to bring home.