I am not an expert on etiquette, nor do I claim
to be. But I am from a reserved, Midwestern family. Some
manners were just ingrained in my by my parents so well that I'd never
forget them. Whether or not I said "please" or "thank you"
was vital. Staring at strangers was forbidden. I even
remember going hungry at friend's houses as young as age 5, because my
parents had taught me that unless I was officially there for dinner, it
is rude to impose upon your host for food or drink.
That being said, it's somewhat shocking to me -
and very, very aggravating - when people ignore the most basic of
manners, or don't know them at all. They are small polite
gestures, just simple considerations that allow us all to coexist
peacefully without stepping on each others' toes. So I have put
together a list of 10 polite mannerisms that everyone should know and
follow. I didn't make them up; they're supposed to be common
knowledge, only these days, it seems they're not. So read it,
forward it, show your children! Please and thank you.
1. Elevator
Etiquette. When you are waiting for an elevator, and
the bell dings and those doors finally open, you are supposed to
pause, stand away from the doors, and make sure no
one is coming out of the elevator, before you go charging
in. Proper elevator etiquette is to wait for any occupants to exit
before trying to get in yourself. It doesn't matter how much of a
hurry you are in. You're not going anywhere until those people get
out, anyhow, so could you make someone else's life a little easier, and
stand clear?
2. Freeway
Etiquette. The lane all the way on the left is called
the passing lane. You do not need to be the civilian
police and block other people from breaking the speed limit, if they so
choose. The person in the vehicle behind you could be on the way
to the hospital, a funeral, an organ transplant - you do not know.
By law and the book of manners, if you are in the leftmost lane and the
vehicle behind you starts gaining on you, switch lanes so that they can
pass you.
3. Telephone
Manners. Be considerate and do not call people at a
time that you might disturb them. It is not polite to call too
early in the morning or too late at night; unless the person you are
calling has told you otherwise, limit your time frame to 9:00 am - 9:00
pm.
4. Walking
Manners. This one is one of the most annoying bad
mannerisms: when a group of people walks together in a hallway or
on a sidewalk, in a bunch so that you cannot easily pass them if you are
walking faster (especially if they are walking slowly and
stopping to talk to people along the way). If you think it is cute
that your four-member family walks through the mall all holding hands -
it is not. Save it for wider spaces. It is rude.
5. Bodily
Manners. Cover your mouth when you have to cough or
yawn.
6. Words.
"Thank you," "you're welcome," "excuse me," "I'm sorry." They are
little phrases, but when you bump into someone and do not apologize, it
can really ruin that person's day.
7. Talking in a movie
theater. Just don't do it. If you have
something you desperately need to say to whomever you came with, lean
over and whisper it very quietly in the person's ear. If you are
at a movie, play, or concert (unless it's Metallica), your cell phone
should be off, you should not block the view of the person behind you,
nor tap the chair of the person in front of you. And THOU SHALT
NOT TALK. If you do, I am lighting up a cigarette.
8. Chew with your mouth
closed. Enough said.
9. Doors. If
you are walking through a door, and see someone else coming, hold the
door open for them. It is not as if he or she cannot open it on
their own, but how would you feel if someone let the door slam
in your face as you were about to walk through it?
10. Respect other people's
property. Don't litter on or vandalize another
person's property. I don't take my dog to go relieve himself on
your lawn; please pay me the same respect.
Now...you've got manners!
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