How About Some Common Courtesy?

I don’t think that the current great ills of our society are caused by too many guns, bigotry, the lack of tolerance or the disparity between rich and poor. I believe that the greatest ills are rooted in our loss of common courtesy.

If each person would start the day with the intention to be polite to everyone he comes in contact with, he probably would not notice much difference in those around him, but with each act of good manners he would realize something different and better in himself. If he were to continue, those who see him regularly would find him to be friendlier, and they might even start being more polite in return.

It is not the change in others, however, that is the prize. When we recognize good in ourselves, and when others react positively to that good, we stop feeling victimized, prejudged and alone. Even those of us who do not make friends easily will be welcome almost anywhere.

It’s not hard to do:

* Address people by their honorifics (Ms., Miss, Mr., Mrs., Dr.) until requested to use their given names.

* Remember to say “please,” “may I?” “thank you” and “you’re welcome.”

* Apologize when someone is affronted by something you did not mean to be objectionable.

* Accept compliments and apologies graciously.

* Imagine yourself in the other person’s place. Don’t let doors slam in his or her face. Let the other driver into your lane.

* Do not use foul language in public.

* Practice smiling.

Following the Golden Rule can work magic. Courtesy is really just the act of treating others the way you want to be treated.