Sept. 19th, 2014
Is it just me, or have people forgotten how to say thank you? I’m not talking about people we don’t know, or distant acquaintances, or strangers on Facebook. I’m talking about people like ministers, friends, family members and folks that you look to, or count on. Actually, sometimes it IS the stranger who thanks us much more often than those close to us.
Now, people who know me really well, know that I don’t extend kindness, or thoughtfulness for the sole purpose of reaping rewards, (anyone who has children gets this.) We’re not talking about an over the top ass kissing, a trip around the world, or having your name in sky writing, just a simple thank you.
Frankly, I have been quite shocked lately by the lack of manners in what I consider to be a very “mannerly” circle. As the kids today say, “What’s up with that?”
Is it that people forget? I must admit that at 57, my memory isn’t what it used to be, but short of having dementia or Alzheimer’s, I just don’t buy, “I forgot.” If that really is the reason, then it means my gift meant so little to you that you tossed it aside, and probably didn’t even look at it. Even if that is the case, a thank you is still considered polite.
I can totally understand people not wanting to call. It might take too long, and you might not have that kind of time. Personally speaking, I HATE the phone, and usually don’t answer it unless I absolutely have to, but in this day of social media, and e-mail, are you going to tell me that you can’t scribble out a short “thanks?”
For the life of me, I can’t understand any reason for such a lack of social grace short of simply not caring.
As a rule, I know it’s not good to generalize, BUT, generally speaking, I have noticed a tremendous lack of courtesy and disrespectful behaviour amongst one another.
You allow someone to cut in while driving…nothing. You hold the door open for a person with a bunch of groceries…nothing. Someone bumps into YOU, you’re the one saying “excuse me,” or “sorry.” Is it wrong to expect reciprocal “pardon me’s?”
Is it really too much to ask of society to bring back courtesy, manners, caring for our fellow human beings, and just generally being nice?
Is it really too much to ask that people leave their phones at home, or at least in their cars, or silenced in their pockets when attempting to have a lovely evening in an intimate setting?
Is it really too much to ask to have a REAL conversation with someone, without them being distracted every other second by a comment someone is posting on Facebook? Are you really going to miss out on something better than what’s right there in front of you?
Well, I don’t think so.
Let’s remember to treat others the way we would like to be treated. Respect, courtesy, kindness. These things should never go out of style, and frankly, I’d rather not live in a world without them. To thank someone today, you don’t have to go out of your way, or spend a great deal of time, or be terribly inconvenienced. With the myriad ways of communication, it’s easier than ever.
So, thank you for reading this blog! I appreciate the time it took for you to do it, and for those who leave comments, I am eternally grateful . . .I think!
kIm