Mind your manners

“Mind your manners” is something most everyone heard from their parents growing up. Yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am, please, and thank you. The staples of human decency started with your ability to be polite to you superiors, your peers, and anyone around you. At the grocery store? You said thank you for your change. You need help from a clerk? You said please and thank you for the help. There was such a diligence in being polite, and the frightening thing is how it seems to have gone out of fashion. Everything is “yeah” or “uh huh” instead of an exchange of ritual courtesies. Manners established a sense of respect and courtesy that was uplifting and positive. These exchanges were part of a greater dialogue that built up your fellow man. They weren’t these noncommittal and dismissive grunts you get now from angst-ridden youths who can’t give you the time of day. It’s not just youths; of course, even adults are blowing off weary cashiers who are just trying to do their best. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about younger folk, when they exhibit this politeness, their value and credibility is something you can’t ignore, because at this point it becomes an incredible indicator of their character.

So I’m going to challenge you, whenever you’re out over the next thirty days or so to make a point to focus on being polite and courteous to anyone you meet, even if you don’t feel like giving them the respect they may or may not deserve. It’s not a matter of age or occupation; it’s a courtesy you can extend to everyone. You set an example when you display this behavior to anyone. It bolsters their confidence and their esteem when you treat them with respect. Your treatment of someone in a positive way could make all the difference in an otherwise terrible day. You never know what is going on in someone else’s life, but your respect and courtesy could speak volumes to them.