When daughters strike out on their own, they usually know the basics: never answer the door without asking who's there, always write thank-you notes, don't wear a T-shirt that says "Beer Is Food" to a job interview. But it's usually only the do-or-die warnings that stick: daughters are notorious for their allergic reactions to their mother's advice. Now, for daughters of all ages who wish they had listened just a little more-and for their mothers, who want to pass on the invaluable information only a mother can give-comes a book that offers hundreds of sophisticated, savvy pointers on just about everything a young woman needs to know. Unabashedly modern, practical, and wise, is based on the journal Joan Jakobson created for her own daughter when she became engaged. In addition to telling you how much to tip bellmen and doormen, this fearless author explores subjects the etiquette books won't touch-like how to spot a cheating spouse and why actual childbirth should never be videotaped. Are e-mail thank-you notes ever OK? What are the important differences between Jewish and WASPy men... so-so and fabulous flower arrangements...imitation and real Pradas? Why should you use lash primer and never hesitate to talk about sex and politics at a dinner party? An often hilarious mixture of attitude, priceless insights, and time-tested observations, is the only guidebook of its kind. Who could ever have guessed that Mother really does know best?