Mind Your Manners!

While listening to a group of 30-something professionals bemoan the lack of courtesy in "kids these days", it occurred to me that manners have been missing from American culture for a long time. We all talk about and become irate about it, but that's as far as most of us go.

It's tempting to be sanctimoniously annoyed when that driver in the other lane speeds up to prevent your merge, or to fume when the person entering the swinging door head of you lets it hit you as you reach it. It's discouraging when you look around at the grocery store, on the sidewalk or even in the courthouse and you see people wearing pajamas with slippers or sloppy clothing walking along obliviously texting or talking on their cell phones with no regard to others.

Nobody listens to the advice of others, so my occasional comments such as "Thanks for holding the door" fall on deaf ears and really serve to get me more riled up. I'm embarrassed to admit that I've even scolded rude or flippant customer service people. Bottom line: they don't care.

I do care. What to do? Perhaps manners start with me. Let's say I relax (those who know me are aware this is not easy for me) and start practicing the courtesies I expect from others. Let in that jerk speeding by me on the freeway in the left lane that's ending in a few feet, maybe without thinking of them as a jerk. Hold a door for someone while not expecting it in return. Change out of my sweats before heading out to the store. Stay off my cell phone while walking or shopping. Maybe my conscious efforts will help.

If nothing else, being mindful of where I am and who is around me will help achieve one of my goals: to be in the here and now without working on the next step simultaneously. Live in the moment, and be respectful. How hard can it be?

I'll let you know.