Friday, May 13, 2011

The Art of Thank You...and Other Fine Manners

Merci, Danke schön, Grazie, Gracias, Toda, Teşekkür Ederim. No matter how you say it, saying Thank You is truly important. And unfortunately, it seems to me, a dying art!

In this era of technology: text messages, Facebook, and email, a handwritten thank you note is something you only see for wedding gifts. But it doesn't have to be reserved for formal thank yous. If someone gives you a gift, does you a favor or just makes your day brighter...take the time to sit down, pen to paper, and write them a small token of your appreciation! Here I am advocating the written word again. Hoorah, Postal Service! A handwritten thank you really has an impact. It makes your gift giver/good deed doer, want to repeat their kindness knowing it meant something to you.

There needs to be a revival of etiquette in this country!! A simple reminder of "please" and "thank you" and holding the door open for someone: just common courtesies.

I was with my "couple" friends the other day and both entered the building, both ignoring this poor man trying to get out the door with his arms full! When I held the door open for this dude, he was beyond appreciative, thanked me like four times. I could not believe that my friends had such a blind eye to him. Also, I rode with some other "couple" friends somewhere and when we got out of the car (exiting to the rear of the vehicle) the guy got out of the backseat and didn't close his own car door. So I had to close his door for him (as I had rode in the front), just to pass through!!! I'm sorry, you can't even close your own car door?!

The other day on Yahoo.com there was an article on 25 manners every kid should know by age 9. Age 9?! I see so many adults every day that need reminding!

Call me southern, call me old fashioned...but you know I'm right.