Please.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Simple enough words, but far to few people use them anymore.
I was reading through one of Zig Ziglar’s enewsletters the other day and it was talking about manners. Mostly how people today lack them and view them as unnecessary.
I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve thanked someone and instead of “you’re welcome,” I’ve received a grunt, a head nod or a blank stare.
How many times have we said “could you do this?” and barked orders around at home. Even with our loved ones, why do we not say “please” or “thank you.”
It’s not like the words are hard to say. They are small. Simple. More than that, though, they are essential.
Good manners separate us from the animal kingdom – and I have to tell you, I’ve had dogs with more manners than some people I’ve encountered.
Good manners can also open doors. If you’re stuck in a rut with a career or relationship, try applying good manners and see what wondrous changes take place.
I realize with all the technology available today, when people are condensing their lives into 140 characters of information, it’s easy to leave out niceties. Easy, but not always what is right.
Wouldn’t it be great if we all behaved like ladies and gentlemen? If we opened doors, offered sincere thanks, treated others respectfully?
I for one am making a mental note to practice what I preach going forward. I hope you will, too.
She Who Is Digging Out Her Etiquette Book
