There are a lot of things I know but don’t necessarily remember learning. For example, when in a public place, i.e. on a bus, waiting for a table at a restaurant and limited seating is available you always give your seat to; pregnant women, someone carrying a small child, an older person, someone with a limp/cane, etc. I am always surprised by the lack of courtesy some people show to others in public. For example whenever someone gives up their seat for someone else 9 times out of 10 it is usually a woman giving up her seat. Once in my life while riding a bus a man actually gave up his seat for me so I wouldn’t have to stand. Once. It is fairly common to see many women standing on a bus/train while dozens of men sit comfortably reading the paper or listening to their ipod. Am I being too old fashioned? Should a man give up his seat for a woman? My gut instinct says yes but society is teaching us NO.

More and more it seems that old fashioned courtesy and politeness is going out the window. Parents and school teachers alike seem to be focusing less and less on social graces. If children do not learn how to conduct themselves properly then how can we expect these grown children as adults to act in a courteous manner?

Some courtesies might seem outdated or silly. I don’t know many people who routinely write thank you notes anymore. But I try to be diligent with things like this because it brings me joy to receive such a courtesy from someone else. It is not a nice feeling to go to a large event such as a wedding, etc and never receive a thank you note. Not because I feel I should be thanked profusely for whatever the gift was, but because I want to know that they received it and that they were glad I was even there in the first place.

A little courtesy goes a long way. Writing a quick note, or giving up your seat, or even holding a door (gasp!) can have a great effect on the person you are bestowing these courtesies on. Try it.

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