Imagine this situation: you hold a door open for someone and they do not say thank you. Or another situation: you are carrying many books, but the person in front of you leaves you in the awkward situation of holding the door open with your elbow as you struggle to get through the door. Sound familiar?
We have all had the feeling of being treated unfairly or rudely by someone else because of their poor manners. You’ve probably complained about these people who seem to have lost their sense of etiquette. Have you thought about your actions recently? Maybe you had a bad day last week and treated someone unfairly. Maybe you accidently hit someone you were passing in the hallway and forgot to excuse yourself or apologize.
Although it was drilled into our heads in kindergarten, I think many people need the reminder that manners matter. The awareness for the feelings of others is an important component in daily human interaction. Those who have proper manners are treated with more respect than those with poor manners.
It’s that time in the year when people make resolutions. My resolution this year is to work on the way I approach people and making sure I thank people who go out of their way for me. College has the façade of a lax environment, especially with dorm life, that even I forget to say “please” and “thank you.”
Next time you are sitting on the crowded T and you see an elderly person standing, offer them your seat. Say thank you to the workers at the dining halls who serve you meals every day. When you are out to dinner with your family or friends, try to keep texting at the table to a minimum. Trust me, it will not go unnoticed.
Photo Sources:
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