Modern manners?

Question

Interested to know your thoughts on what is reasonable in the way of manners.

How many of you would gladly offer your seat on the bus or train for an elderly person or pregnant woman?

How many of you hold open a door for someone or even say thankyou if someone does this for you?

I think these common courtesies are not being taught to too many of our children these days.

Answer 1

Nevermind children... I hold the door open all the time and I'm shocked to see people much older than me (in their 50's or so) not saying thank you. It's not like I expect it, but it's nice when people say it.

Answer 2

I agree with you. These manners are not being taught to our young people anymore. I have been on a train and, as a woman myself, offered my seat to a pregnant or elderly woman while nearby men sat in their seats--oblivious. I always try to be mannerly, but I'm afraid I'm rarely repaid in kind. I do, though always try to show appreciation to those who demonstrate good manners in hope that it will catch on. Progress has been slow. :)

I once saw an elderly gentleman with a cane who used it more for nudging people into good manners than for aid in walking. He'd poke someone and nod at the door and they would open it for him. I saw this same gent poke someone in a elevator and nod to a young woman struggling with a baby carriage. The young man he nudged snapped to and helped.

I think I need one of those magic canes! I'm afraid, though, that I might end up cracking it overt the heads of some of the more hard-to-convince cases! :)

Answer 3

I do them both-- and for the record, I have taught my 11 year old son to do it, too, and he often does it without being nudged-- the other day when we were getting on a water taxi, he even took an older lady's grocery bags to help her through the gate, and she remarked on how refreshing it was to see young people do it-- and on their own!

Not tooting his horn here, just saying that if you teach them, and it's done for them, too, then it sticks (mostly!)... I agree with you that it's not happening as much now.

More the pity!!

Answer 4

Agreed. I do all of the above and more. It amazes me how many people show surprise when you do something nice for them, as simple as holding open a door. Simple acts of kindness can make someone's day and costs us nothing.

Answer 5

Doing these things should be like breathing.

P.S. This reminds me of the story of the young lady who gets on a crowded bus and asks a gentleman if he wouldn't mind giving up his seat to a pregnant woman. "Of course," he said. "So, how far along are you?" "Oh, about twenty minutes", she replied.

Answer 6

been doing this all my life and we've taught our boys to do the same. our oldest-21- has been holding doors open since he was 3. (his idea)

Answer 7

I do that every time the opportunity presents itself. I've taught my children to do the same, and it actually hits home to them when the good they do is acknowledged and appreciated by the person. Sometimes it's a burden to keep them reminded about please and thank you and may I be excused. :)

Answer 8

I agree completely. See yesterday's post on my blog site, I addressed this exact thing,

http://stanwrites.bravehost.com/