Etiquette and common courtesy


 You will do well in life if you learn the rules of etiquette and common courtesy. I found this great list of common courtesy rules via this link:

  1. Show respect for others
  2. Always apologize when you do something wrong
  3. When someone is having a conversation, don't interrupt
  4. When you change your plans, let others know
  5. Respect the needs of others in public
  6. Never embarrass another person
  7. When refusing an invitation, be kind and honest
  8. Respect your elders
  9. Use good table manners
  10. Respect other people's property
It is a good idea to review this list regularly in your life as you can become complacent when it comes to keeping these rules of courtesy alive. The more you practice these rules, the better you get. Recently, I noticed the struggles that occur when people don't follow these rules. Also, as I review the list, I see areas for improvement in my own allegiance to the courtesy rules. It's time to update these skills.

The same is true for etiquette. There are hosts of books and articles written about the expected etiquette of numerous situations. This simple list is a starting point:
After the impolite Trump era, I think people are making a comeback to good etiquette and the rules of courtesy. I believe this is a positive step for our culture. In some ways, I believe that people left this polite behavior behind because in some cases the "politeness" occurred without honesty or good intention. It is only good etiquette and courtesy when both good intention and honesty are part of the mix. 

I will be thinking more about these rules and practices of polite behavior in the days ahead as I believe it is one way to build a more civil, peaceful and caring society. Onward.