Where Have Manners and Common Courtesy Gone?

Manners and courtesy appear to have all but disappeared in society. Why the heck have primary social skills declined to nearly an extinct status? The public rallies for mandates to safeguard endangered species, so where are the manners and common courtesy activists hiding these days.

Can we stop the destructive momentum of human demanding, rudeness and disrespect? Honestly, I do not know, but I would love to see an end to much of this inconsiderate behavior.

Human Interaction Meltdown

To survive in a society of ever-growing bad conduct; I try to set a standard for myself, much like the words in the above quote, but honestly, should I have to? We have a major meltdown taking place in this country when it comes to the routine interaction of people on a daily basis. Plain and simple; many people do not know how to act and believe it is perfectly acceptable to treat other people badly.

No matter where you go on any given day--there is a good chance you will encounter insensitive, blatantly disrespectful or demanding behavior by someone who considers themselves the most important person in the world. Just ask them!

Do You Know Who I Am?

My favorite, though sickening, stories of illogical conduct, are about people who feel they are so darn important, they pull the "do you know who I am" card every chance they get. My nephew told me a story about his friend pulling this stunt during a police stop one night.

My nephew's friend has a brother who plays professional football on a NFL team. Upon approaching the vehicle, the police officer knew immediately the kid had been drinking because not only could he smell alcohol, the driver was slurring his speech big time. When asked to step out of the vehicle, the kid started ranting, "Do you know who I am...do you know who my brother is?"

After reading the name on the license, I am sure the cop knew exactly who the young man's brother was, but it did not faze the cop, as of course it should not. The officer said, "I don't give a f--- who your brother is, you're still under arrest for drinking and driving!" Well...that sure did not get you far now did it knucklehead!

Road rage is not only a prime example of this bad conduct; it is nonsensical and dangerous in its purpose. Some people toy with you on the road for the sheer pleasure of getting a rise out of you, which turns to retaliation on your part and ends with senseless road rage at its finest. If you partake in it because it irks you, then you are guilty of foolish behavior, too. It is a no-win for all involved.

10 bad manners, lack of common sense/courtesy things that make me crazy

1 - Men wearing a hat while eating at home or in a restaurant

2 - Sharing your entire cell phone conversation with the waiting area

3 - Calling me only if your child is selling cookie dough for school

4 - Demanding attention because you paid for something (get in line)

5 - Entitlement: What is mine is not yours - earn it as I did

6 - Young people sauntering in a crosswalk - unless you're elderly, get a move on

7 - Three-year-old children at "R" rated movies - shame on you!

8 - Not taking a number at the deli then pretending you did not know

9 - Not giving up your seat to a senior citizen

10 - Calling someone out in public in any way or form - not good

I am sure many of you will agree society on a whole has some serious changing to do when it comes to manners, courtesy and good old common sense. I am positive you have a gripe of your own we can relate to, so by all means, share it in the comment section and maybe we can be the change I believe we would all like to see!

Personal View & Experience