This makes great sense.

I fully agree completely!

LuAnn,
Wow! how self absorbed. Do you think of anyone but yourself. It seems to me you never tried to help make things better but encourage them to continue. Shame on the countess.

LuAnn - you can be so abrupt...Bethenny asked to meet you for drinks...whoever pays is irrelevant? Come on all you gals can afford your own Tab! I understand you are senitive right now cause of your Divorce, but don't take it out on Bethenny...she has finally found her a terrific guy...that she will probably marry...and all you gals on pissed at her???? I am confused! You would think all of you gals (except kelly) would be so "Happy" for her! Stop being me me me!

Please stop saying your American Indian. It gets very annoying and racist when White people always claim to be Indian. Yet many of them have African American. Why is it White Americans don't say they are part Black? Why mess with us Indians? Leave us alone. Your ancesters, and American people today, have done enough harm.

get over yourself...you're very passive aggressive...and it's obvious....you are in no position to write a book on manners and be taken seriously...you have a "high and mighty" attitude, and you always try to come off as helping people or looking out for others, but it's so showy....I really liked you in the beginning but your true colors have shone through, and I'm left quite disappointed.

You may stand tall in stature but not in grace. I suggest you reevaluate yourself and gain better perspective. Also, learn how to say " I'm Sorry" while looking the person in the face.

Luann,
I hope that time has given you some perspective on the episode at Hope Lodge.
I hope that you have the insight to see how the irony of juxtaposing your argument against the problems of the lives of the women you were helping.
How disappointing your behavior was!
The Hope Lodge should have been an opportunity that brings a smart and kind group of women together to help other women that have REAL problems! (Instead of petty bickering).
I am curious. Acting as a role model for manners and tactful behavior....what if I asked you to give advice on how someone (other then you) should handle the same situation?
Would you advise:
1. re: Bethanny- Take a moment and really listen to your friend who is sharing good news, acknowledge the good fortune? Or.. would you do it quickly and then jump to giving advice to a friend that has not even asked for advice? It really did appear rude. Isn't part of having manners and friendship... not always projecting yourself and YOUR experience onto someone, but really LISTENING to another and providing advice when it is REQUESTED? At least Bethanny had the self control and maturity to put off discussing it further in a different context.

2. RE:RAMONA When advising someone what to do when confronted by a person who is very impulsive and self focused and ...at times inappropriate....would you tell someone to engage in argumentative bickering? I am sure that is not the first time that you have dealt with that topic and I am sure that your daughter has dealt with it among her own friends.
I am sure that You have certainly learned a lot about yourself from this episode.
Perhaps redirecting and refocusing the immature Ramona to something else would have worked. If it really bothered you- deal with it in another context.
How sad the the women at Hope Lodge had to eat food with such negative conversation happening during its preparation.
What about some focusing more on the organization and some of the work that has been done there by you and others.

HI again,

I think bethany maybe was just a bit sensitive that day, I saw more wrong with her not letting it go. of course she should mention it hurt her, but I think you were supposed to like be devasted and frown and not enjoy your lunch or somtething.

I'm glad ramona although VERY STRAINED is holding back, but I cant wait to see who it is she finaly blows on this season. LOL

I think you are great and some of people could learn a thing or two from you. Ramona speaks of class and making people feel comfortable, when in fact she so obnoxiously rude it never ceases to amaze me.

LouAnn

I understand what your "true intentions" were when you were trying to help Bethenny. I know you could have worded it differently with a much better tone. Everyone has good "intentions" but the fact remains that they can be delivered in a wrong manner. You are loosing your fan base due to your lack of honesty with yourself. It would have been "countess" of you to openly admit that you were wrong as to how you treated Bethenny without any form of an argument on your side of the conversation. For me, that moment with Bethenny explaining her feelings to you and you not being more of a friend to her by admitting your fault was "classless." I hope you spend more time reflecting on your behavior than on writing your book.

LuAnn,

To thy own self be true and practice what you preach.

LuAnn,

In the first season, I found it fascinating that the show included a countess, as aristocratic titles are very rare in this day in age. However, any fascination abruptly ended when it became apparent that it was really the only title which seems to define you. Why not introduce the viewership to LuAnn and not the Countess; I would like to think that LuAnn is actually a fascinating individual who can bring something to the show besides a title.

The problem is that you rely upon the fact that most Americans are ignorant about nobility and royalty. (In case people were curious, French noble titles were abolished in the mid 1800s; a noble title is not the same as being a royal title. Additionally, the United States does not recognize hereditary titles.) When people hear "countess", they immediately think of castles, servents, and prestige; but the truth is, your husband's title affords you no extra privileges and your husband holds no political power as a noble. So, you are just another Mrs. at the core of it all.

Another aspect that I find offensive is that you are now claiming to be an "American Indian from Connecticut". If this was something so essential to your identity, than you would be identifying yourself by your tribal nation and not some generic phrase such as "American Indian". What tribe are you? Does your tribal community recognize you as a member? If not, then don't claim it. Wearing expensive turquoise necklaces don't validate your claim, it only makes real Natives shake their head in disgust at yet another individual exploiting our identity for the sake of being unique.

In whole, it seems that you try extremely hard to make yourself appear more exotic than the average individual - first as an "aristo", then as a "former model", and now as an "American Indian". You'd be a heck of a lot more appealing if you could manage to be something other than the Countess.

Hey LuAnn!
I think your very nice and generally a very classy woman. I think Bethenny totally over reacted to your comment about air brushing her photo. It was obvious that you were just talking about common occurrences that go on in the modeling world. It's too bad that she took it the wrong way.
As far as your book goes I think it is great; I would like to recommend however that you not talk with your mouth full on national TV. I don't mean to criticize; I've been guilty of this myself and certainly don't think I'm perfect, but since you are setting your self as an example I think you should be aware of this. I think your great,and have a good heart, so continue to be generous and stay away from the catty trash talking.

LuAnn

Why is it wrong for Bethenny to be upset about you saying what you did about her Magazine cover picture and not for you when you went off on Ramona, in public, I might add. At least Bethenny got you in private.

And I might add that you need to learn about "Class" before you write a book on it. You also need to get over the "Countess" bit. That doesn't mean a thing in the United States. Here we are all equal. There is no royality here.

You meant no harm. You're simply watching out for your friend so she would not be shocked at her representation. Shocked positively or negatively. Depending on her perspective. She is just an over-sensitive little baby that likes to throw her weight around (all 45 pounds) and try to shame you into a worhtless, unnecessary apology. How sad she needs so much attention. No wonder she doesn't have a fulfilling, meaningful relationship with a readily available man. What man could keep up?

I am a contess by birth and not one of my friends know it.
I am also an American and beleive in "all men are created equal". There is no need to throw your title around unless you are a insecure snob!

I have never cringed more during an episode than I did when you said that Ramona's comments ruined a night that was supposed to be about you [or something to this effect.] The night wasn't for you, it was for the families at Hope Lodge! Shame on you all for carrying on a petty spat in front of families that you were supposed to be helping.

Also, the way you carry on about your charity work makes it appear as though the recognition you receive for doing said charity work is more important to you than actually helping the people in need. I sincerely hope this is just how Bravo has chosen to edit things this season, because that is an incredibly sad way to live one's life. You should be doing charity work if you genuinely want to help others, not to just show the world what a great person you are.

I guess I missed the episode when you discussed your Indian heritage. Which tribe are you from? Perhaps it would be nice to make that part of you personna as important as being a Countess seems to be. That would make a great story line. A young native American girl, hard working, strong in character grows up to marry a Prince/Count! I do think you a very nice person. Continued good luck and health to you and yours!

LuAnne,
I had to say that I really do like you alot. Aside from Bethenny, and Jill, you are one of my favorites! However, as someone who is 22 years old and suffering from an eating disorder, I did not think that your comment in the "on their high horses" episode was very funny. After you made your point about making sure you eat so you dont look like you have an "eating disorder" you laughed as if people with eating disorders have no etiquette. That is not the case, and this illness if NO laughing matter. Thats all, I still love you though.

Proper behavior is not causing a scene. I am afraid you were the culprit of the scene, not Ramona. Your daughter ought to have been embarressed by your response more than anything. I agree with the person who said you should visit the South.

The petty spat regarding your husbands age when you were supposed to be volunteering for the good cause of preparing a nice dinner at Hope House was tasteless.

You 'talk' about manners.

Luann - forget the "hater-nuts" that are emailing this season. You and Bethenny are still the reason I watch. Great job on calling out Ramona - can't believe her comment when you said she was "rude". She actually said "I know,I know". DUH!!! Still love Jill - she's just so completely herself.

Luann,
Like you I also modeled many moons ago as I am now 49, (and do not look in any way shape or form as good as you), however, I was fortunate to have been at Studio 54 for Willie's private B-Day party prior to her death in 1979. If someone did not touch up my pictures I'd be in court so fast your head would be swimming, lol. Also the comment about your husband offended me directly as the age difference between you and your husband is the same as the one between my parents, and they led a charmed life, he died one shy of their 26th anniversary. I hope you and the Count have 56 or more, God Bless you and yours.

Luann,

For some reason this season you have come off as snobish and holier than thou. I am not sure where this is coming from but you are killing what little following you had. Please get rid of the condisending attitude. Use your powers for good not evil.

Dear Countess,

Oh, how I do enjoy irony!

Best,

Margaret

It is too bad you hold everyone else up to standards you yourself can not reach!

Hello there sugar!!!!

Oh my gosh! I think it is FABULOUS that you will be writing a book! First off - how NEAT and INTERESTING it IS that you ARE a countess! Wow! Seriously, I think a lot of people WANT to hear your story!! I know I do!! ; )

I have a three year old daughter - and would love to know I am teaching her the "classy" ways of the world! I would love to read about manners/courtesy in regards to being around equestrian events!!! And of course every day things, going to a party, hosting a party etc etc!

I hope to be reading Class With THE Countess soon!!!!

All the best!!!! ~ Megan

OMG People back off......WOW. Because She was constantly being asked manner questions, She said she decided to write a book. And She is being attacked on every muscle movement She makes. And come on people haven't you ever said something to a Friend in the moment, and your words were hurtful but it wasn't your intention? I believe everyone has been there. Anyway I adore all the New York Housewives, and I think this touch up comment has run its course. I wasn't in LuAnn's head but I am 100 positive her comment was not over jealousy or intended to hurt.

It seems like I recall back when they had the reunion show and Bethenny brought up the episode with the driver, Luann said that her children have been taught that when they speak to an adult they are to use Mr. or Mrs. But I noticed that when Rosana returned they did not do this with her. Is this because she is the housekeeper?

With all due respect,

Please, please, please stop with the "as we say in French" comment, or else someone is going to start a drinking game about it!

#1 You are not French, so enough with the "we" thing. And #2 you are saying it before extremely common phrases ("bon appétit") that I think even the most common of us KNOW is French. And what is worse, then you "translate" it to English!

I would suggest reserving the comment only for when you will be reciting longer, uncommon phrases, or making original sentences. And then it would be appropriate to translate those utterances into English for your audience who might not speak French. But translating something as common as "bon appétit" or "bon voyage" that seems incredibly condescending...

Luann,

I really liked you last season. You seemed calm, fun and easy going. However, this season it is quite the opposite. I undestand that you may have a lot more on your plate that we can see on tv...but you also live a very privilidge live that you only have by being married to a count. You come from a very humbled background it seems, and maybe you should try to look at your roots a little harder.

We at home should not judge, but we are the ones I am sure would be the first to buy your book. Thus far I am not going to waste my money.

I hope that you things get better...it really seems like something is going on behind the scenes for you. You are flyng off the handle way too quick. Not only that you are acting like a complete and utter snob.

Good Luck getting yourself back..I miss the old LuAnn

LuAnn...knowing what good manners are has nothing to do with having class!!! Acting on your knowledge of good manners might get you there but you certainly lack class as evidenced by your "better than others" attitude!!!

I am sure you have heard the expression When in Rome do as the Romans do, well you are in the US you could stand to turn down the countess thing (no disrespect)just a tad

you should probally take a few lessons from people who were actually born with a title and raised in the lifestyle you try so hard to present yourself as having. when it comes to being a countess you behave more like a haughty scullery maid. you were born an american and are an american indian. you were not born a countess so stop blowing it down everyones throat. and for the record here in america, we do not recognize titles of nobility since we have none you are simple mrs. de lesseps. after all who do you think you are, consuelo vanderbilt? let it go.

America I am sorry but I love LuAnn. I do not agree with her asking Bethany did she get airbrushed, that was one of the most happiest moments for Bethanyy being on the magazine cover and all LuAnn said was "Did you get Airbrush". LuAnn, If you wanna keep friends you should destroy their confidence. But either way you get much from me, muah!

"People want to know how an Indian from Connecticut became a Countess". I can't stop laughing!!!! Are you for real?

You said in one episode " I hate when people act like they are better than others" Or something to that extent..But that seems to be the mottto for the way you live your life..How ironic..

Luann, that comment you made to Bethanny was uncalled for. especially coming from a Countess. I actually expected more from you. you should have waited to see the photos before asking that question. and as for Ramona's comment on the Count, i think you may have been alittle dramatic. especially in front of Victioria, you could have pulled Ramona aside and have her apologize in front of Victoria. yes, it was not nice, but you put yourself in that situation. you were not very nice to Bethanny or Ramona, she was just giving Beth some dating tips. you did not have to comment. so please do things with CLASS especially if you are writing on the SUBJECT.

It is very obvious in this second season that you take your title by marriage way to seriously. "Much Ado about Nothing," springs to mind.

Your husband's family did not give the Statue of Liberty to America. The statue was a gift from the French people to the American people. Ferdinand de Lesseps was selected to make the formal presentation because he was head of the Franco-American Union. It is unfortunate that you are misinforming your children about the history of the Statue and its presentation. There is a big difference between giving and presenting.

Someone with true class does not stand up and lecture an entire audience about appropriate behavior, when she was doing the same thing before she spoke, and again right after sitting down from her chastisement.

A person with good table manners does not use her fingers to take a bite of her meal. (lunch with Bethany)

A person who truly wants to teach young people proper table manners does not laugh at a young girl when she asks if the meat should be cut one bite at a time or all at once. You belittled the young lady, and embarrassed her in front on others; a classless thing to do.

A person with class does not berate another individual in front of a room full of people over a statement about something as unimportant as her husband's age. It would appear that you are very sensitive about this. A simple answer of "Oh, no, he is only _ number of years older than I am." And if you had to get the claws out, "Thank you for the left-handed compliment that I look so much younger."

A person with class would not mention the idea of airbrushing when told that a friend was going to be on the cover of a magazine. Calling upon your experience as a model (I believe you said it was mostly catalogs, not high fashion and not covers). And then, "I wanted to protect you." Bethany is a big girl and doesn't need your protection.

As another viewer said somewhere along the way. You do really need to read some of the other books out there on your subject before you try to publish your own.

Correcting other's manners in public is the height of rudeness and the number one no no in any book of good manners.

An apology should be offered as just that, and in just that tone. A simple "I am sorry I did not mean to offend you" and leave it at that is a proper aplogy. Any attempt to defend yourself slides it right back in to the bad manners catagory. Saying anyone is "that sensitive" takes it right over the top into crassness.

The same goes for either accepting or rejecting an apology from another. "Thank you I accept your apology" or "I am sorry I do not accept your apology" end of subject. Regardless of your feelings you do not keep dragging it out after the other person has apologized repeatedly. Take a lesson from Jill, Alex and Simon. They apologized to each other and it was done.

LuAnn,

The late Princess of Wales always introduced herself as just Diana - not HRH or Princess or even Lady - just plain Diana.......now THATS class. Class is not something you aquire with a title.
A little respect for Hope House..it wasn't about you lovey, it was about the residents and the charity.

Isn't every night Luann's night?

Didn't I see your bra strap showing at Hope Lodge?

Countess De Lesseps,..people say way to much here and I find rudeness all over these blogs. We aren't there to know all of this. Bravo only shows what they want to stir the pot. I believe you to be a Lady..as for Countess I think you deserve that honor as well. If you choose to want to be called Countess that is your privilaged right. Hurting someone's feelings comes to us all not meaning to we can't always know what is right to say or wrong. We are not inside someone elses mind to know this. I think getting past it and not being in front of camera's you and Bethany worked it out as real ladies do. I see beyond the camera and I don't judge anyone of you except Ramona oh my word that woman has no class what so ever. She married into money and it shows. She deserved what you gave her. I to have gotten pissed over a remark made like that at me. It about flipped me for a loop but infront of your daughter was rude and I believe you were right with your proper dating ediquette. Romona strikes me as trampy anyway and being a lady will get a woman a proper man being trampish can only lead to being what it is. you strike me as being classy and true to your Title Countess. You have to culture between Europe and the United States..I've been to Europe and I find the French to be well put together. We take life for granted here in the U.S. but I'm American and proud to be..Be a bit light with your wants here..I know it's crewel but it's not Europe my dear. I hope all worked out off camera between you Romona and Bethany..Good Luck..I admire who you are and how you carry yourself..I'll buy your Book!!!

Countess:

I think you are more bold this year than last. I like it!
You seem more relaxed. I blogged Bethenny also and I told her that it did not appear to be a malicious comment, but it sure is getting everyones panties in a wad.hahahaha

I think your great!

I find it funny that LuAnn is writing a book on manners, because in several episodes I have seen her with her elbows on the table and eating with her fingers instead of her fork. Thats doesn't scream bestseller to me.

As a former Santa Fean I must comment on your elegant, fantastic, fetish necklace and turquoise jewelry - amazing! A real pleasure to admire......

Countess,

Ignore the comments which are ignorant. While I do agree that titles are meaningless, your actions are that of a CLASS ACT. It is for this reason that you asked for advice and should write your book, people do not ask your advice because of a title.

I personally consider your title to be a part of the proper pronounciation of your name. Just like Mister is part of the proper pronounciation of my name.

Your title is "Countess", mine is "Mister". Although, I do like to be called "Citizen".

Comedian Denis Leary used "Citizen" as a title in the movie, "Judgment Night". While I certainly would not want to be in a similar situation as the characters in that movie, I did take a liking to that title. So, please put "Citizen" in front of my name anytime.

Luann, do any of you watch the episodes? I would think that if you do, you would see that your comment to Bethanny was not meant as a "dig". It was a casual comment of one model to another. The problem is that Bethanny is not a model and therefore not familar with the terminology. It would also show that you did apologise since it was not your intent to hurt her feelings. Your comment about her "being a dog with a bone" however was a bit of the pot calling the kettle black, since your response to Ramona was very similar.

All that aside, I think the show is great and I would love to see NYC meets OC (especially Romona meets Vickie)