Bad manners and social graces

“Sometimes, to have good manners means putting up with other people’s bad manners.” ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

American author Emily Post advised that having good manners isn’t just a matter of using a dinner napkin or refraining from passing gas in public. Courtesy, she said, is all about being “sensitive to the feelings of others” and putting them at ease. Civility is another word for kindness in action.

A lot of people have complained lately about the general increase in rude, insensitive behavior — on the road, in restaurants, in politics, in grocery stores, and even among friends. If we’re not careful, boorish behavior will become our cultural norm (if it isn’t already). And before we know it, chronic nastiness will taint our viewpoints. Bad manners will erode our peace of mind and bring out the worst in us, too.

And so, with all due respect, I disagree with today’s quote. I believe we can do better — and I’d rather not “put up with” other people’s bad behavior. ~CL

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Photo by Cindy La Ferle