On the whole, people are becoming less respectful as the years go by. It’s cool to be casual, but that means manners often get thrown out the window. These are 18 habits that old-school, well-mannered people will have that show politeness hasn’t completely disappeared yet.
Saying ‘Please’ And ‘Thank You’
Have you been hearing the words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ a lot less often? Well, it turns out that you’re not alone in that – the New York Post discovered that “just 7% of us” still use the word “please” regularly. That’s a pretty poor turnout for the fundamentals of respect.
Holding The Door Open
Some of us will always look around when we open the door to see if there’s anyone around who may need us to keep it open for them. However, lots of people have stopped doing this and will just head straight through the door, ignoring anyone left behind them.
Writing Thank-You Notes
Every parent who raises a polite and well-mannered child will have told them to write a thank-you note at some point. Most of us will remember writing thank-you notes to relatives who gave us gifts. Putting pen to paper for a thank-you note is a sign of old-school manners, especially nowadays.
Proper Table Etiquette
There are some basic rules to table etiquette that aren’t followed as strictly as they used to be. Showing respect to your host and eating politely can improve the dining experience for everyone, as well as showing that you’ve clearly had a good upbringing.
Addressing People By Their Titles
A good way to instantly show your respect for others is to use their titles. While a lot of people are more used to using first names for everyone, using the ‘Mr.’ or ‘Mrs’ form of someone’s name shows that you’ve been taught to respect others.
Listening Without Interrupting
Everyone wants to talk, but no one wants to listen – that saying holds so much truth today, but well-mannered people will still listen to others without interrupting them. It’s a sign that you actually care about what the other person is saying, not just yourself and your own opinions.
Being Punctual
Punctuality can matter more to some people than others, and sometimes, even your country can determine how you feel about it. For example, the BBC notes that “the Swiss derive genuine joy from the fact that life unfolds on time.” Being on time is the politest way to turn up to any event.
Giving Up Your Seat
We should always consider others, especially when they may be struggling more than we are. On public transport, well-raised people often give up their seats to those who may need them more. This sort of behavior helps to create a culture of kindness that benefits everyone.
Offering A Firm Handshake
What’s the best way to greet someone respectfully? Far above a high five or a fist bump is the firm handshake, a gesture that still holds a lot of importance in the business world. Even in day-to-day life, a good, strong handshake shows that you’re respectful and professional.
Respecting Personal Space
Not everyone wants a hug the first time they meet a stranger, and people who have been brought up with good manners understand that. They’ll give people the right amount of personal space until they become closer friends and understand social cues and norms.
Making Eye Contact
Michigan State University regards eye contact as “vital during a conversation” and states that “it’s important for our youth to practice and learn about eye contact as a communication skill.” By using eye contact during a conversation, you’re respectfully showing interest in the other person.
Saying ‘Excuse Me’
One of the most versatile polite phrases has to be ‘excuse me.’ You can use it to enter conversations, move through crowds, and make a respectful exit from a conversation or event. People who regularly say ‘excuse me’ are clearly well-mannered.
Apologizing Sincerely
Apologizing is always an important part of handling conflict or the aftermath of an argument, but not everyone means it when they say ‘sorry.’ A sincere apology means that you acknowledge your mistakes and show that you’re willing to make amends with the other person.
Using Polite Language
People who have been raised well will always try to avoid rude or coarse language in conversations. It’s much more respectful to use nicer, pleasant language, and it usually creates a more positive atmosphere for the conversation overall.
Offering To Help Others
Lots of people will see someone who needs help and either stand around looking at them or move on quickly. But people with old-school good manners will always try to step in to help those in need, even if it’s something as simple as helping someone with their grocery bags.
Waiting Your Turn
Queueing is sometimes seen as a very British thing – for instance, the Independent calls queuing “famously – even stereotypically – one of the key characteristics of the British.” However, people of any nationality who respectfully wait their turn are seen as very polite and well-mannered.
Respecting Elders
Children are often raised to respect their elders, and people with old-school manners will still respect their elders as adults. They acknowledge the wisdom and experience of the older generations and appreciate the sacrifices they’ve often made and the hard lives many of them have lived.
Keeping Conversations Polite
The last important habit that well-mannered people always stick to is keeping their conversations polite. They try to avoid gossip or controversial topics and won’t speak badly about others behind their backs. This can make social interactions so much more positive and enjoyable.
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