My rule of thumb is to be respectful to everyone.  I say "please, thank you, excuse me" etc., I am not a snob. I don't judge others, I am sometimes surprised by the lack of common courtesy and then again, sometimes I am overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.\n\nI've noticed that my husband and I say please and thank you to each other and our daughter, yet we are still relaxed and having fun.
132689
Proper etiquette was ingrained in me as a child. My mothers side of the family has a strong "proper English" back round and it just was a way of life. Hospitality was the norm. Being polite at our own dinner table at home was always upheld. It was very nice to have my fathers side of the family to balance this out. They were often blunt and had a hearty appetite for laughter, even in public.\nI am grateful that I was raised with both. I can enjoy the company of a variety of people and not just those that are "socially acceptable"(heavy quotation marks there)\n\n"Please" and "Thank you" I think are just the cornerstones of good manners. Politeness is something that shows respect as well. Being courteous to strangers is a must for me. I would want the same in return.\n\n How important are they? On a scale of 1 - 10 I would say an 8. Very important. But certainly not the most important things in life.
409468
Generally, you EARN respect, but DEMAND courtesy.\n\nIf there are (and SHOULD be!) boundaries, you should insist they be followed...and if they're not, you go to the "referee" (boss, supervisor, etc.) and politely insist they be enforced.
190171
PLEASE let me answer this for you...And THANK YOU for such a good question...EXCUSE ME if I go on too long...Society's lack of manners is a sign of our Cultural decline...A lack of concern for others is nothing to be proud of...I am a Gentleman in the true sense of the word...I take pride in extending manners in a mannerless society...But take heart...We are out there...We just don't feel the need to make a show of our deeds 24/7...Oh, and YOU'RE WELCOME--This was fun,wouldn't you say,my dear???...Phantom of Proper Manners
378341
That's absolutely right! Just because some businesses operate in a certain way doesn't mean we have to act like they do. After all, they're catering to a much wider audience than we are, and their goals are different. We can do as we please.\n\nWe should greet people in a way that we are sincere in doing, and we should give only from the heart, not the wallet. Togetherness is much more important than presents. \n\nMerry Christmas and Happy Yule!
125680
I don't know how but I did end up the responsible one.  No I don't necessarily enjoy it but it seems to come naturally.  All my friends say they don't know how I do all I do.  I say nervous energy.  Yes my family is good about saying thank you and so are my friends and the others I do things for.  As far as my "rock",  my grandma died 3 years ago but she is still the one I look to for support.  Prayer helps alot too.  Also my pets-unconditional love and support no matter what.
447453
I'd say about 7-8. I try to hold doors open when possible, help them if they dropped something, and I always say my thank yous and my pleases. I'm polite but I am also not too trusting of strangers.
660386
Be kind to one another. Practice patience, kindness and tolerance.
349644
Thank You is the catch-all for compliments. Even if you don't agree, at least acknowledge that you have received one and say thank you, because the person who gave it meant it.
293778
"Thank you" is not enough.  It can never express the deepest sincerity and thankfulness I have for each and every man and woman who has served their country, as well as their families.  \n\nMay God bless and keep each of you close to His heart, especially those that have paid the ultimate price.
444821
WOW.. \nYou know I have to say I do agree with you.   \nIn today's society, it seems it's okay to flush everything your parent's have taught you, away with the old school ways.  And in with the rudeness, and disrespect.\nI was just hoping I wasn't a dinosaur for teaching my children  the same values that was taught to me, and my siblings. \nMy boy's sometimes get irratated when I say ..."be a gentleman" open, or hold the door for a lady.   \nOr when I tell my daughter... "it's not lady like" .. blah blah blah blah...\nHowever, I'm hoping I'm teaching them the right things.  To stand out and be different then society!   \n\nGood Luck, I hope you get good responses.  I'm curious to read some of the answer's to this question.
504367
It depends...I've been down this road with the "dears" and the "huns".  The only time I let that slide (sometimes) is if it's an older person...like 70s+ as they (most of the time) mean no disrespect and are just doing that out of habit for anyone young enough to be their children or grandchildren.  HOWEVER anyone else I will always let them know as politely as I can to please don't refer to me as "dear" or "honey", etc.  I ask them to please use my name when speaking with me.  I've gotten a few eyes rollin' or a quick look, but never had a bad comment or repercussion because of it.  It's just disrespectful I think to call anyone that - especially in a working situation.
197732
I try to wait for my turn to speak. I was brought up to be patient and polite. But when I was in my late teens I realized that sometimes if I don't butt in no one would listen to me at all. Even if your polite and quiet you deserve to have your opinion heard.
111894
politeness can be a form of pretentiousness... like most politically correct thnigs, you're taking into account the feelings of the other person.  it's okay in my book to be polite.  \n\nin your details though, it looks like you're leaning towards asking about those 'little white lies' we tell to spare someone's feelings.  i know when to mince my words, and i have no problem doing this as needed.  it's a valuable social skill (sometimes a survival technique) to have and to be able to use, as long as it doesn't become a habit.\n\nreconciliation::: if what i truly feel will be hurtful to the other person, i tend to err on the side of caution, especially with people who i don't know very well.  i'll bite my lip and pretend to be polite, all the while knowing that no real harm is being done.
7178
Silvana gave some good advice.  You need to know, however, that often you do not need to say anything.  A touch can convey so much more.  Hold a hand, give a hug, lay a finger upon a face, place your hand on an arm or sholder.  A kiss on a cheek.\n\nIf you feel that you must say something, express your feelings honestly or tell the other person that they are not alone and you are with them.\n\nYou can always ask if there is anything that you can do.  You can always tell them to call you if they need anything.  Often people do not want to hear that everything will be alright, when it is not alright with them now.
347394
I like the way you think. Personally I give back one person at a time. Sometimes in groups it depends on where I am and what is needed by each individual.  Just people in general, I don't really have to know them, just what they might need. Sometimes a wise conversation, or a friendly gesture. Just Because. Those who know me, know that children are my Purpose( A better way to see the world)!  Remember when Good Deeds are done, someone is doing something GREAT!
571800
A Lady or a Gentleman isn't easily defined by a short list of actions but rather by an overall air. A person, who maintains their dignity without making others feel less dignified, who offers a hand in generosity, without making the recipient feel beholden. Who has proper manners but not so proper as to make others feel inadequate.\n\nA person who carries themselves with a quiet grace and dignity.\n\nYes there are still many of them out their. I do not consider myself one in that I am frankly a little too crass and too aggressive in my ways but I consider it an ideal up to which I try to succeed
627143
lol...I  know  people can be so rude....but be better than them! Just say something that will put them in their place...."please don't judge, by what you don't know!"  or "Don't you think I would rather be walking if I could so I wouldn't have to hear people like you make such rude comments about me in front of my children, thank you and YOU have a wonderful day!"