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March 7, 2006
All Manner of Manners
By DEANNA DAHLSAD
In 1922, Emily Post the philosopher suggested a way of living: "Manners
are made up of trivialities of deportment which can be easily learned if
one does not happen to know them; manner is personality -- the outward
manifestation of one’s innate character and attitude toward life."
While I am in no way suggesting that we return to such formal or rigid
customs such as calling cards (with specific specifications for men
and for women) -- not even the Emily Post Institute suggests this
-- but I do think it's important to consider Post's point of view,
that manner is the outward manifestation or presentation of
one's character and attitude towards life.
One way to positively display your manner or character is through
manners. While many think of manners as some formal, perhaps even
antiquated and out-dated set of foppish behaviors, manners are
one way of easing the stresses of living among other people. Saying
'excuse me' when sliding past another in an elevator, holding the door
open for the person behind you, covering your mouth when you cough, send
a 'Thank you' for a courtesy recieved, these are more than good habits;
they are public ways of showing our respect for others as well as
self-respect.
And these actions are courtesies which need not be for public display
only. Too often we forget to include those nearest and dearest to us,
especially those we live with, such actions of respect. It's a shame
really, for if manners are a way to make communal living easier,
wouldn't we be better off to demonstrate them at home as well?
What's more, if we really love and value these people, why not show them
our considerate character and positive attitude toward life? Why not say
'excuse me' when sliding past your spouse in the kitchen, hold the door
open, cover our mouths when coughing, deliver a 'thank you' for some
generosity shown by a member of the household... Surely if they make our
lives richer, we can afford to not skimp on such gentle luxuries, and
flaunt our happy attitudes.
As John Cassis said, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important
to be nice."
Posted by photocartoonist at March 7, 2006 5:58 PM
Comments
funny funny
Posted by: Your Daddy at March 19, 2006 3:53 PM