Manners – The Best Way of Doing Everything

There’s always a best way of doing everything, if it be to boil an egg. Manners are the happy ways of doing things. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I recently came across a beloved book of mine, purchased in 1999. It’s titled Social Graces, and is filled with rules and phrases that still bounce around in my mind as I live life in 2014. Don’t let manners become a thing of the past! Even those of us who value good manners need a little refresher course once and a while. I flipped through the pages of my book and noticed a few areas where my manners needed some improvement! In the chapter titled “Social Faux Pas,” they list things one should never be guilty of doing. Here are a few:

• Talking in church
• Arguing in public
• Talking with a mouthful of food
• Men who do not open a lady’s car door
• Eating before the hostess
• Not holding the door open for the next person
• Not giving up your seat for an elderly person

How did you do? Are you guilty of any of the Social Faux Pas? The most important place to practice good manners is at home. Our families deserve the most kind and courteous treatment of anyone!

Even in this hustle-bustle world, manners and courtesy still have their place…your etiquette will tell more about you than your words ever will. Minding our manners is one of the simplest lessons we’ll ever learn, yet it takes most of us a lifetime to master. It’s basically common sense. Be kind to others, be respectful, and be careful to treat others in the way you most desire to be treated. Social grace is one of the basic keys to experiencing happiness and giving others happiness in return. –Ann Platz, Social Graces 

In the spirit of good manners, “Thank you for stopping by the blog today! Do come again!” 🙂