Please forgive the upcoming Diatribe. I think my generation was the last as a group to be taught manners. My Generation being the folks from 36-42 years of age. It amazes me and pisses me off how many people are rude. I went to High school and College in alabama. Southerners, in general, I think are stricter about manners and raising their children to have them. I have come into contact with so many people that have no idea how to react in social situations. What is going to happen to them when they start to look for a job? They will probably work at a drive through. So many of my experiences with bad manners have occured with a teenager or a person in their 20's at a drive through. The McDonalds nearest my job has the rudest employees I have ever met. Not to mention that their grasp on the english language is disgusting, but I digress. So for those unfortunate folks here is a list of do's and don'ts.
When some one sneezes please say "Bless you"
When some one says "Bless you" when you sneeze, please say "thank you"
When some one says "Hello, How are you today?" Please respond with "Hello, I am fine, Thanks. And you?' Also Acceptable "I am well, and you?" or " I am fantastic, and yourself?"
NOT ACCEPTABLE! No response. or grunting (grunting is not a response) or "I am good"
It is polite to ask the person how they are as well.
If someone holds the door open for you as you are entering or exiting a building. Please respond with "Thank you" Also acceptable "that is so nice of you, Thank you." or "Thank you. Have a nice Day"
When answering a telephone it is polite to say "Hello" it is not acceptable to say "Yeah" or "What?"
Our world is centered on text messaging, Iming, updating our facebook or tweeting, we are forgetting that there are actual living, breathing people that we come in contact with everyday. Most of our interactions are just a few minutes long. How hard is it to be polite and ask the cashier at the bank or grocery store "how they are?" or to wish them a good day when you are leaving.
When I lived in Montgomery, this was the norm. Every store you went into you were greeted with a smile and a "Hello" When I still lived with my dad, we would sit on the porch and people would wave as they drove by. Even if we didn't know them.
Since I now live in Ohio, I have noticed that manners are a hit or a miss. Hey parents, stop watching tv for a few minutes, and lets teach our children to be polite and courteous. It will benefit them for the majority of their lives.
I get disgusted with lack of manners and just consideration in general! Our boys are 2 and 4 years old and people are surprised by how polite they are. A great way of teaching manners is to MODEL THEM YOURSELF. When kids are used to hearing Please, Thank You, etc, they are more likely to use them themselves. But when parents don't model and encourage
ReplyDeletemanners, don't be surprised their children don't use them. And by the way, thank you for taking the time to share your perspective ;)
Connie, I agree with you. I don't remember how my mom did it. I just remember that we got in trouble if we were rude or didn't hold a door. Hope you are all well. J
ReplyDeleteAnd for the love of Pete, when someone invites you to something, RSVP!
ReplyDeleteI also get irritated when adults want my children to address them by first name. Sorry. Not happening! Unless it is preceded by Mr/Miss, Aunt/Uncle or Sabunim. Only exception is my BFF because they created a whole new name for her.