While manners may appear to be very old-fashioned, they never go out of style. They make our social interactions easier and more pleasant. But the fact is that many of us ignore some basic but necessary rules of politeness in today’s fast-paced world. Common courtesy goes a long way – it demonstrates that you see other people as worthy of your respect. Without further ado, let us reminisce about some good ol’ etiquette — the simple, timeless manners that people seem to forget these days. Our world would be much friendlier and more considerate if we modeled these habits.
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Writing Thank You Notes
You probably don’t see many written thank you notes anymore, as those have been replaced with quick texts and emails. But the time and care it takes for someone to write a note makes emojis seem worthless. It is a more intimate and sincere way to say thank you.
Holding Doors Open
Holding doors for people is not hard, but barely anyone does it now. In a sea of strangers, that brief moment of kindness can be all it takes to make their day just a bit brighter. It tells us that you are considerate and respectful of the space and time of others.
RSVPing to Invitations
Party attendees who never RSVP cause a lot of mayhem for hosts trying to prepare. It is only a small detail, but doing this tells them whether you will join their important moment or not. It assists in food preparation, seating & managing the overall event.
Using “Please” and “Thank You”
Some basic manners are often overlooked in daily interactions. Saying “please” and “thank you” demonstrates respect and thankfulness. It’s not a big ask and it just makes interaction between people nicer.
Respecting Elders
People seem not to follow the ‘respect your elders’ code anymore. Something like giving up your seat, listening better & speaking respectfully helps. It recognizes their experience and promotes respect among generations.
Dressing Appropriately
Dressing for the Occasion — Dressing according to an occasion reflects your perception of the importance of an event. No matter if it is a formal occasion, a relaxed meeting between friends or at the office – appropriate apparel is a reflection of your willingness to be a respectful part of society.
Listening Without Interrupting
Speaking over someone is a rude habit. Listen and wait your turn to speak. In doing this, you are showing the other person that you care to hear what they have to say and that you respect their experiences.
Avoiding Phone Use During Meals
Not only is using your phone at the dining table a distraction, it also comes across as rude. Attending to the person or people with whom you are dining is an indicator of how much you respect them. It leads to more engaging discussions and a happier dining experience for all.
Covering Your Mouth When Sneezing or Coughing
It is a common practice of hygiene that a lot of people do not value. Covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough aids in stopping the spread of germs and safeguards those around you. This is a small and thoughtful gesture that protects everyone’s health.
Practicing Good Table Manners
We tend to forget our table manners these days. Even small things like chewing with your mouth shut, not talking when you have food in your mouth, or properly using utensils at the dinner table do wonders for any meal together. By practicing these manners, you show due respect for your dining companions and establish a pleasant atmosphere for eating.
Introducing People Properly
Have you been to a party where the host knows everyone but fails to introduce anyone when in small groups? This creates an awkward scenario where people feel left out of conversations. When you properly introduce people, it gets rid of any awkwardness and makes people feel included. It’s just a way of being polite and saying that you see them all.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.