Not-So-Common Courtesy

Back in the day most children, many of us included, were taught to show common courtesy toward others. As the years pass by and new generations are born, it is becoming more evident that this practice is falling through the cracks.

{Common Courtesy: Behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others; politeness that people can usually be expected to show}

Common courtesy is expected, not because we owe it to people or because we are less-than them, but because we respect them. At least we should. Everyone, no matter their race, background, financial or social status should be respected.

We respect others because we would want them to respect us.

Here are a few examples of common courtesy that are rarely practiced anymore:

• Open the door for someone and hold it open until they have cleared the doorway.

• When on a bus, give your seat to someone who needs it more than you do, or to a lady as a sign of chivalry.

• While driving, lower your music’s volume at intersections and in residential neighborhoods, as well as near schools, business complexes, and religious buildings during hours of operation.

• Keep the bass on your stereo at a minimum when living in close proximity to others (apartments, condos, town homes, etc).

• Clean up after your pets when out for a walk.

• Stop your dogs from constantly barking if you have neighbors within hearing distance.

• If you must spit, do it in the grass and not on the sidewalk where people will walk in it.

• Pick up your trash instead of expecting someone else to do it for you. The sidewalk is not a trashcan. Neither is the street, someone’s yard, the bus, floor, or another person’s vehicle.

• Cross at a crosswalk at a fast pace, instead of treating it as a leisurely stroll, especially when people are waiting to turn.

• Jaywalk (which you shouldn’t, but if you do) with urgency, rather than expecting oncoming traffic to come to a complete stop and wait.

• Talk with your inside voice, especially when you’re inside, but also when you’re within a foot distance of the person you’re speaking to outside.

• Take phone calls outside, in a hallway, or in the entryway when at a restaurant, waiting room, etc.

• Don’t watch videos with loud audio while dining at a restaurant. Better yet, put your device away altogether.

• Always say please, thank you, and excuse me.

Common courtesy – It’s the small things in life that matter most. Let’s do our part in making the world a better place.