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| Image Courtesy: Raj Manchekar |
And welcome back to our lessons. We're nearly at the halfway mark, with the 13th letter of the English alphabet. It's M for mirror in your book, La Niña.
Like the mirror, there is another M that very closely reflects us, and that is M for Manners. Most people assume that to be well mannered, all you have to do is pepper your language with words like Excuse me, Please, Pardon me, May I?, Thank you and Sorry.
Etiquette is also assumed to play a huge role in manners. At a sit-down dinner, for example, society would think more highly of you if you knew precisely which spoon, knife or fork to use with which course.
It is true, of course, but that is not all there is to good manners. How you speak, interact and behave in public, the content of your words and the tone of your voice, also matter a lot. How you behave in public, in society, mirrors the manner in which you were raised, the kind of family you come from, and the kind of person you are. No matter what anyone might say to the contrary, there is no such thing as being too polite.
I hope you make courtesy and politeness a way of life. Open doors for those who are too ill or old or unable to do it themselves. This applies not just to El Niño, but also to you, La Niña. Chivalry may have been the preserve of knights in another age. In today's times, we are all called upon to be helpful and considerate to one another.
There will be many who will criticise your politeness and call it hypocrisy. Pay no attention to them. There is far too much crudeness and rudeness in today's world. We don't have to add to it.
The best thing about these simple acts of courtesy is that they don't cost a lot, but their intrinsic worth is too much to be measured. So mind your manners at all times, and avoid swearing or speaking uncouth language.
My wish for you is that you may always be mindful of other people's feelings, no matter what be their station in life. Treat them as you would like them to treat you. Do not stomp over others' emotions, nor hurt or slight others for your own selfish interests.
If you keep that in mind, people will still think highly of you, even if you goof up with the cutlery or get the other finer points of etiquette wrong. After all, emotions and feelings, we all know, run deep, even in the case of those who have thick skin.
We'll meet tomorrow for a new lesson. 'N have fun while we're at it.
I had a woman tell me yesterday that her son-in-law has no manners, but his mother thinks he is perfect. Go figure. It sounds like you are doing a good job teaching manners.
ReplyDeleteM for Manners is what I had originally wanted to write about today !In my opinion there nothing as important as teaching your child manners. Your manners are truly a reflection of the kind of person you are !
ReplyDeleteExcellent. "Manners maketh a man" was drummed into our brains. nowadays manners seemed to have been erased from the dictionary. Great post and a very valuable lesson for all.
ReplyDeleteYes, consideration for others will be of better value than knowing which utensil to eat from!
ReplyDeleteCynthia, honestly make these blog posts into a parent manual. There could be no better gift to modern day couples who seem to be forgetting to inculcate the right values in the next generation. Such a simple yet effective post, this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteVery well said - Truly, these are the things parenting is made of - teaching them that manners is above table manners :-) A huge hug Cynthia - May I have an autograph please? :-)
ReplyDeleteSo very important. I've been accused of being too polite! I just don't get what that means. The 'please' and 'thank-yous' are a part of our everyday family life too - so important!
ReplyDeleteSimple yet so important. Great post.
ReplyDeleteBhavya
Just Another Blog
Such an important lesson! A man's manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait!!
ReplyDeleteTrue that . U defined it correctly. Its not about how well dressed ur or which knife and fork to use !
ReplyDeleteBeing polite and patient is really an art. many gotta learn it including me :)
Good manners never go out of fashion.
ReplyDeleteTrue that! Everybody is nice to their seniors but a good human is nice to all, irrespective of their position in society. I thank the cycle rickshaw pullers and many a times a few reply with a heartfelt 'Welcome'.
ReplyDeleteAmen! This is an important lesson and today manners seems to be on the decline. In the name of being frank, people are becoming more ill-mannered.
ReplyDeleteSo true! I wish more parents would teach their kids minimum manners, it's so sad to see children with horrible manners.
ReplyDeleteI wish all parents would teach manners. They are becoming less common these days.
ReplyDelete#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
Today in the mad race for ranks and medals , the importance of manners is taking backseat ...A timely post Cynthia and so beautifully written :)
ReplyDeleteAgree....manners are so important in making an individual's personality....Few people frown at me when I ensure to say Thanks to the lift-man or office cab drivers. Teaching manners to kids is so important.
ReplyDelete