The Saturday Seven: Rules for Good Manners

At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeonly old man, I am astonished by the number of people in our society who lack basic good manners. I'm not suggesting that we practice Victorian-era manners, but things like holding a door open for someone behind you, or saying please and thank you go a long way. Or how about smiling more? Whenever I answer my phone at work, I always say "Good morning this is Rick". I just don't think people even exchange the good afternoon/good evening expressions anymore. I admit I am somewhat of a fossil at times, but the other expression I enjoy using is when I meet someone for the first time. When introduced, as I shake hands, I say "How do you do?" instead of just "hi". Invariably, this takes the other person by surprise and forces them to reply with a "oh, very well thanks for asking" type response. Now I realize that saying "how do you do" is very old fashioned, but hey I'm an old fashioned kind of guy. Being an animal lover, I often look to the animal kingdom for such cues. I'll go out on a limb and say: everything you need to know about life you can gleam from your dog. This brings me to another scintillating edition of:
The Saturday Seven: Rules for Good Manners
#1 Respect your elders- they've been around longer and seen it all. Besides, you'll be old one day soon enough.

#2 Don't speak loudly- why stress people out so much. It comes across as aggressive and forceful.

#3 Don't interrupt others- Let them finish speaking, then you get your turn. just like in kindergarten, remember?

#4 Don't stare at people- Glance if you must, but at least be discreet if you must!

#5 Don't lose your temper- Show some restraint. Keep it cool, practice deep breathing and let go of the anger.

#6 Don't spit in public. Oh how gross. Unless you drank a mouthful of poison, otherwise go to the restroom or somewhere out of view.

#7 Always be Polite- use common sense, act according to where you are and who you are with.

Bonus Entry- Don't curse- Is it really necessary? Can't you express yourself using standard words from the English language? Try going a week without swearing, see how you do. Unless of course, you are in a bar with the guys telling "fish stories", then that's OK I guess!

Another Bonus entry: Take pride in your appearance- How you look and what you wear. It won't kill you to dress up once in awhile.

-Rick Rockhill