Relearning Courtesy and Respect

Children and young people are usually the target audience when discussing manners. We want children to learn how to assume responsibility and behave appropriately. However, if you look at society as a whole, you will see that a sizable percentage of people are rude. Every day at work and in public places, you see people yelling unpleasant things at one other or making rude gestures. People still insult others even in circumstances where there is no justification for them to act in that way.

We also perceive a lack of etiquette in someone who makes demands of others. Instead of using polite greetings like "please," "pardon me," "Sir," and so forth, individuals just offer commands to other people and trust that they will be carried out. So how can we, adults and children alike, make things right in light of the pervasive lack of manners in today's society? How can we communicate with others more courteously and thoughtfully? One thing we all need to learn is to treat people the way we want to be treated.

What then is our expectation of others' treatment of us? Everyone wants to receive decent treatment. Receiving attention and engaging in polite discourse is something that all individuals value. We get uncomfortable when we're yelled at. Our feelings are deeply wounded when we are treated like nothing. We should try to communicate with individuals in a polite and civil way if that is truly how we feel. By treating others with respect, most individuals are going to repay the favor and good manners help us forge positive connections with others.