As I get older, I realize more and more the impact my Mother has had on me. One of those areas is manners. Such an underrated, but clearly essential skill. From a young age, we were taught how to eat with knife and fork and at a formal table setting. I was lectured on "sitting like a lady" and being lady-like. (stop laughing you!) We were coached on how to politely greet adults, and when as children we were permitted to engage with adults. Sometimes I am gobsmacked by our society's all out lack of manners. It is simple things like taking out earbuds when speaking with someone, not looking people in the eye when talking to them, calling adults Mr. or Mrs. and not assuming a first name will suffice.
I admit, I am lax with my own kids about some things. Dinner table manners are somewhat looser, though we do sit as a family for meals. It is when little things add up that I wonder just "where the heck did these people grow up!!??" Which, is a very class-based assumption, I admit. But, as my Mum always said.... being classy does not cost you anything. Ask anyone who knew me as a child, first comment will likely be what a lovely and polite child I was. We were coached on how to act within social circles of old money beyond our own social standing. Now that old money is no big deal, I am finding the more affluent members of society are ruder and ruder. Weird. I can almost hear my mother scoff "nouveau riche!".
So my simple rules that I wish everyone followed....
1. Be on time, or call if you cannot be on time.
2. Be your word, keep your word. Bring back personal responsibility.
3. Say please and thank you, even to cashiers.
4. Hold the door for others.
5. Don't make a scene in a restaurant when something goes wrong. Understand everyone makes mistakes.
6. Identify yourself when you call, even if you think the other person knows it is you.
7. DO NOT TALK TO ME when you have ear buds in!
8. Call your elders by Mr or Mrs until invited to do otherwise. Extend respect.
9. Do not make assumptions about who pays for meals etc. Always offer to cover your part regardless.
10. Be kind and follow the golden rule when possible.
