Being Polite is Apparently a Bad Thing?

Question

Why are people becoming so socially stand off-ish?

Answer 1

What died and made them rulers of the social world? It's still poliet to be polite. Keep on doing it, you'll find someone who enjoys it--and might just be polite back!!

Answer 2

you said so well. APPARENTLY. People are polite only APPARENTLY, they do not do it inside their houses, they treat others with respect but so many times the ones they should treat with respect, wives, children, husbands, they behave as real jerks, I notice that especially in America (I'm not an American). But to be polite is ALWAYS NICE, never quit it. Be polite to the ones you love and the ones you only have social contact, if you know what I mean, not very close people. To be a nice person is always a must, you should never regret to behave in a nice, respectful way. Not everyone will applaude but I am sure you will feel good about it. Good luck.

Answer 3

I really don't know. Polite-ness is something I really appreciate in a person and in myself, and I really notice when people have not been taught or choose not to use even simple manners like 'Excuse me' or 'Thankyou'. I don't know why people think that is is okay to become so stand-offish, as you say.

Sometimes I think it's because of the way I look. I have numerous facial piercings, and some tattoos (usually hidden) and people seem to automatically assume I'm some punk with no sense of morals or manners and treat me like sh!t assuming I'd do the same to them. In fact, I'm quite the opposite. I'm very polite, outspoken, and honest, and I find it extremely stupid the way people will treat you for how you look. I think people need to learn that age old term 'Don't judge a book by its cover'.

Answer 4

I think that people seem to have a fear of their fellow man (by which I mean mankind).

There are so many horrific stories in the newspapers, people's first reaction is to be suspicious, and hostile to strangers.

I try to be polite as a matter of course. It is so refreshing when, just occasionally, I bump in to a like minded person.

Answer 5

Depends a bit on where - but in the UK and the US, too many people fnid themselves being accused of harrassment / sexual harassment just for beig friendly in the work place.

If you give a friendly wave or smile to someone young, the accusations can get even worse....

Blame the politically correct nitwits and the modern desire to sue everybody for everything an any opportunity.

VERY sadly, it is safer to be cold and distant - especially with children or members of the opposite sex.

Answer 6

This depend on the type the person you are talking to, If you`re out with you`re buddies, being polite is not necessary. But when you talk to you`re teacher, or to an older person, you must be polite.

Answer 7

It seems to me that people walk around almost blinded. They are all in their own world and don't seem to acknowledge other people's presence. In this world of cell phones, computers and blackberries, people are walking around in their own private world and ignore those around them. I really think it's all the new technology. With a computer you never have to relate to people face to face. We've become an anonymous society that doesn't pay attention. Very sad!

Answer 8

I agree, there is nothing more angering than to be polite to someone and have them be rude back.
Sometimes I like to remain there and continue to be nice to them, until the respond in a positive manner.

Answer 9

I don't think I'm stand off-ish.

Answer 10

don't care about people. just do it all the time and one day you'll be rewarded of all the trouble you have taken in being polite!