I mean that in a good way. I mean, my parents and grandparents set excellent examples and taught me ideals and beliefs that are, to this day, still amazing. I watch and observe people all the time (not in a creepy way) and behavior today is shocking. I mean look at the way people were in say, the 50s. Not ALL beliefs during that time were correct. I refer to the interactions between people. Between couples. Between family members. People were more respectful. Again, there were things happening in that era that were without a doubt wrong, and I am NOT including those in this example.
Let me be more specific. Today people don't open doors for their partner as much as they should, much less for total strangers. I do. Given the lady part is absent, but I will actively look for an opportunity to open a door for someone. It's second nature. I don't just mean doors to a home or business, but also car doors. It doesn't matter who was driving, get out, open a door and be polite.
People don't show respect. There are many ways to show respect, and just as many ways to disrespect something. Examples? Hats. Generally speaking, hats are for outside only. Definitely wearing a hat inside someones home is disrespectful. Many people will say that there is no reason to take off any hat, it's just an old tradition. It is. This dates back to the medieval era. Knights would take off their helmet indoors, whether at their home or away as a sign of good faith. It showed they were not there to do battle, but as a friend. To me, when I enter someones home, I take off my hat as a sign of thanks for providing me with a roof to be under and protected from the elements, no matter how short the stay may be. I said before that hats were generally for use outdoors only, but there are exceptions. When you are actively (or passively in some cases) listening to someone pray, take off your hat. You don't have to believe in their religion, or take part in any of the related practices (if you feel that doing so would compromise your religious beliefs, whether you have any or not), but show respect for the person or persons that are involved. Same goes for the national anthem. I know there is a lot of controversy regarding that, but I'm not just referring to ours. If you are visiting another country, or are at an event where a different anthem is played, take it off. You are showing a sign of thanks for what has been done to provide you with the life you had, or the life of a friend or even a perfect stranger from another country. The obvious exception is to those countries that are actively militant towards other countries. I know, that last comment could be skewed to say it is for the United States, but honestly, we are mostly reactive, not proactive.
Say Thank You. This one is so super easy, yet most people don't do it. It could be how they were taught (or not taught in this case), or it could be unintentional forgetfulness. When someone does something for you that is any remote sort of kindness, say thank you. If you are unsure if you should say it, say it anyway. Easy.
Excuse me? Are you interrupting someone? Are you passing in between someone and something they are focusing on? Do something socially unacceptable or awkward? SAY EXCUSE ME! Again, easy.
I'm sorry. This one isn't really a "manners" thing. It's more of a human being thing. Most people avoid saying this at all costs. It can be an admission of guilt. It can show you have feelings. They just won't do it. Life is hard, don't make it harder by not admitting your faults and correcting them. Do something wrong? Eat the last donut as someone else comes up and reaches for one? Say it. Not rocket science.
I was also taught to treat people with a certain dignity, maybe even a certain degree elegance. Different situations call for different measures. At worst, treat people with civility. I know this is hard in some circumstances, but trust me - it's worth it.
Sorry this one has been one continuous rant. It's been pointed out to me that I have a tendency to rant, so I'll try to resolve that myself.
Until Next Time Dear Readers...
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