Where Did They Go?

I miss them. I miss them everyday. I know they still exist, but where did they go? I can’t be the only one who wishes they were back in our lives on a daily basis. Maybe they are poised for a big return in the next decade? Maybe they are gone forever?

Have you figured out what I am referring to? No, I am not referring to the hairs on the top of my head. Though I do miss them too!  No, I am not talking about snow fences. Remember those?  I am talking about manners. Manners, and decorum, and gentleness.

The world has become very coarse. The world is not gentle at all. Look at the bumper stickers you see on a daily basis! Listen to the language at the mall on a Friday night! Listen to our political discourse!

I remember learning manners in Kindergarten and early elementary school. We learned how to introduce people. We learned, to show respect, that males take their hats off when entering a building. We learned to hold doors open for others. We learned to wait patiently in line. We learned to focus our attention on someone when they are talking to us. We learned the magic words: please, thank you, and you’re welcome. Basically manners were a way of showing respect for others and for ourselves.

If manners, comportment, and gentleness are to return it has to begin at home. Then it has to be bolstered in school. Then our leaders have to lead by example. Wishful thinking? Maybe. I will continue to fight the good fight and I hope a lot of you will join me. In high school, I was voted the most polite boy in my senior class. I still wear that as a badge of honor. I remember telling my dad and him saying he is more proud of that than if I had been named valedictorian. But, here’s the thing:  Being polite is easy. Valedictorian, not so much.

Enjoy your Friday, politely.