COURTESY and its LIMITED USE...... (actor, pregnant, senior, speech) - City-Data Forum

Steve Bagu · 05-22-2008, 04:23 PM

Courtesy is limited in various ways. Open the door for a woman (I'm a male) and get most of the time a stare. Men will nod there head or say thanks. Oh yes, I'm a senior with a cane. Do not expect any special treatment, as may others in my condition. A kindly holding the door is a big help and we do greatly appreciate it. I find the most courteous to be those who appear in the late 50's or older to be the nicest. Others have let the door close behind them in my face which does not bother me other then to mention this as a factor. Children, forget it, as it shows the upbringing by the parents and not the kids fault. Many store cashiers are required to say Hello or thank you as part of their job. It is the outside public I am referring too. I could make this into a recitation but wont bore you. One final word, when holding the door open at the bank for someone, I always say " I just got hired today, no pay only I keep any left over change"; or at a Restaurant will say " Just got hired today, no pay but get my meals free". Generally I get a slight smile or laugh. Could get contagious, maybe. Steve

nomoresnow · 05-22-2008, 04:43 PM

I hope it catches on, Steve. I'm a 50+ female, and I often hold the door open for anyone behind me - male, female, young, old, etc. It's just a courtesy thing. I'm sadly surprised by the few thank you's I receive when doing so.

Denise in Fla · 05-22-2008, 04:54 PM

Many store cashiers are required to say Hello or thank you as part of their job.

Too bad half of them don't mean it when they say it, most of the time it's so monotone especially with the younger generation.

I have no problem saying something sarcastic like "thanks for holding the door open, or gee I really didn't want to kiss the door today", when the person in front of me doesn't hold the door.

My 8 yr grandson has more courtesy than some adults, he will always hold or will open a door for someone.

JenM · 05-22-2008, 04:56 PM

I just wanted to let you know there are still some courteous people left in the world. I was raised to respect my elders, hold open the door for anyone who needs help, give my seat up, etc. And I am only 29.

My husband and I have 3 small children and we pass along our values and manners to them as well. My oldest, who is 7, always says please and thank you without being prompted to do so. My middle child is 4 and he's pretty good about it, but still needs to be prompted. My youngest is only 1 1/2, but will not be taught any different.

I am a firm believer that kindness goes a long way!

Miss Blue · 05-22-2008, 07:51 PM

There does seem to be a lack of courtesy among the people under 50..Maybe they were not taught, maybe they are just to busy to notice or be kind...Not all are like that..I have met a few highschoolers who are very well mannered ..

..Lots of times in a busy Drs waiting roons I have gladly given my seat to a young lady who is pregnant or struggling with a child, or to someone seeming to need a seat more than I..We were taught manners at home and at school..back in the "olden days"

...I guess they gave up the manners class at school for sex education

Northwoods Voyager · 05-22-2008, 08:36 PM

Here's what 'gets' me sometimes: Most of us that are older are the parents of 20 and 30 year olds. Are we then the fault of these 'youngsters' not having the politeness and courtesy that we mention? And then I think about those born in the early 50's may have been part of the 60's group that rebelled so often. Are these 50 to 60 yr. olds parents now, of the youngsters that we sometimes consider impolite? Just wondering, that's all. I know we cannot and should not lump any group into a specific group. Again, just wondering.

thefer · 05-22-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northwoods Voyager

Here's what 'gets' me sometimes: Most of us that are older are the parents of 20 and 30 year olds. Are we then the fault of these 'youngsters' not having the politeness and courtesy that we mention? And then I think about those born in the early 50's may have been part of the 60's group that rebelled so often. Are these 50 to 60 yr. olds parents now, of the youngsters that we sometimes consider impolite? Just wondering, that's all. I know we cannot and should not lump any group into a specific group. Again, just wondering.

I'm in my 50's and the parent of an impolite child.

I tried to teach her better but I think giving her to much made her very self centered.

I think I have learned my lesson and I'm doing better with the grands.

Gosh that sounded like a AA speech!