What happened to good manners? I grew up in the south and was taught to say "thank you", "please", "yes sir", "yes ma'am", "no sir", and "no ma'am". We smiled and said good morning and how are you? We really did care how you were. Respect, honesty, loyalty, trust and good character were a must. A person was as good as their word. We used good ole common sense. These "old fashioned" values served us well and we enjoyed life. I never remember anyone saying "I am so stressed out". We lived simply, worked hard and enjoyed our lives.

Our society has become so fast paced and automated that we have forgotten to act like human beings. We push and shove and the drive thru is just not fast enough so we let the poor soul working the window have it with both barrels. Sometimes they are not working as efficiently as they should but blessing them out only makes matters worse. Be kind to them and maybe that will be an incentive to make them care more about doing a good job. You could become their favorite customer. Flash those pearly whites and make a positive out of a negative situation.

Start saying thank you to your waitress, your co-workers, your boss, your family, your friends and even strangers. Smile at people and say hello. Respect yourself and other people as well. Ask, don't demand. You will see that people respond positively to you. What goes around comes around.

Offer your help anyway and anytime you have an opportunity. It may never come your way again. A small act of kindness may be huge to the receiver. It could very well mean more to them than you will ever know. Life is about helping each other. Be kind and caring. Slow down and take time to actually make eye contact and talk to people. Be interested in what they have to say. Just listen and you will learn a lot! Stop interrrupting because it is just plain rude. The other person has something to say and deserves respect.

Give somebody a break on the highway. Road rage is just ridiculous. Grow up and act like you have some sense. Don't cut somebody off. Be a respectful driver.

Don't gossip, judge a book by its cover, stare at people or make fun of anyone. It is rude and childish. Follow the golden rule and for those of you who have never heard of this rule, it is simple---DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.

Flash those pearly whites and go show your good manners to somebody today! Laugh AT yourself but WITH other people. Smiles are contagious. Walk on the sunny side of the street. Actions do speak louder than words.

jd raymer

For more information

www.sideroad.com/Etiquette/good-manners.html

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