How Common is Courtesy?

Now I know I am no Emily Post, but I have some manners. Yes, I understand that etiquette is slightly different than manners, but go with me on this one. The more I venture out of my social circle into more of world, I have found out not a lot of people have this thing called common courtesy.

I was taught that manners were used to make others feel comfortable & respected. When I was in the hospital when I was younger, my parents made me write thank you notes to those who visited me & brought gifts to keep me busy. At 13, I thought it was stupid, but I did it anyway. Now that I'm older, I understand better. It's just good manners to thank people for their time.

A little over a week ago, my niece was married. YAY! Her mother was doing the cooking for the reception. My niece sent out the invitations with the RSVP cards in time to make sure her mother knew how much to make. So, two things happened with poor manners (or no common courtesy): #1~ She sent an invite to one her dad's friend, did not put down & guest, but his son invited himself anyway. (My niece didn't want the son there, but didn't want drama over it, so she let it passed) #2~ Less than a week before the wedding, people called up or in casual conversation said they were coming. Too late, the food has been bought. The wheels are in motion.

Those things did upset me. But there is one more thing that happened that day they really made me angry. I will put this disclaimer down now, I'm old school when it comes to formal events. Her niece & her husband were having a formal wedding, they had friends show up looking like they just rolled out of bed. Seriously? They have planned for months for these short few hours. You were kept in the loop of what was happening that day, & you couldn't find something decent to wear? I find that inconsiderate.

Now that my little rant is done, now on to other things. I never really thought much about manners until I met people that didn't have them. Little things, like constantly interrupting conversations. I have to say, with all the rudeness I find, I also see the good. While I was at Blog Con, I saw a lot good manners, especially when it came to the men. Saw men find a seat for ladies when they came outside to smoke. One night, I witnessed a man make sure that everyone had a seat in the restaurant before he would sit down & relax. On my last night there, I shared a taxi with two gentlemen. When it came to pay the driver, I got out my wallet, was told to put it away, they had it.

It's out there. I've seen it. The only way we can see more of it, is to demand it. Too many times, we've allowed people to be rude because we don't want to seem rude ourselves. Well, I for one will not stand for it any longer! I let people know when they are out of line. I don't shout it in their face, because that would be rude, but they know where I stand. I believe taking little steps like this can change your own little corner of the world into a more pleasant one.

Have a beautifully awesome day!