Countess Luann de Lesseps

“Countess” “Mrs.” “Mom” “Luann”...I answer to all these names! Like most people, I’m addressed by a variety of titles but what makes me unique is that I’m also addressed as the “Countess de Lesseps” in certain social situations, not all.

Lately on the Bravo website’s Real Housewives of New York City Blog, people have been commenting that I focus too much on my honorary title as Countess and that I’m not paying enough attention to how others feel. Truthfully, some of the most interesting moments in my everyday life relate to being a Countess…it’s why I am on the show! But where is the etiquette tip in all this? I believe that people should be addressed as they request to be addressed. If a woman wants to be called “Mrs. so and so” versus being called by her first name, I roll with it. Also, if I am just meeting someone for the first time and I’m unclear as to what they preferred to be called, I ask them. It’s very simple.

Because the RHONY show focuses on my being a Countess, it is not surprising that most footage shot for the show has me being called Countess! So my darlings, if you’d like me to address you as Princess or by your first name, let me know!

Tip: Even though these are informal times, you should address anyone who has a position of authority or is older than you as Mr., Mrs., Dr., Countess, until they ask you to call them by their first names.