Merriam-Webster defines courtesy as: a behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others; courteous behavior and respectful act or expression. Today is National Common Courtesy Day.
It can seem that everywhere we go these days, rudeness reigns supreme. Road rage has replaced courteous driving and sales people rarely, if ever, are eager to help you. Hardly anyone ever hold the door open for their fellow human anymore. And saying "please" and "thank you" is considered old-fashioned. But today is your change that. Showing common courtesy towards our fellow inhabits on Planet Earth can be be small or simple things. Kindness ad courtesy do, actually, go along way and are noticed by other even if you don't realize it.
It wasn't so very long ago that common courtesy was, indeed, common. Manners were taught to school children and books on etiquette were found in mot homes. Children who were taught to behave nicely grew up into adults who showed courtesy and respect for others, whether they believed those others were worthy of it, it or not. While this was not true of everyone, it was true for most. That in't the case today.
The practice of common courtesy instills an attitude of consideration for others. It is a deep realization that "Me, myself, and " aren't the only travelers through life. have you noticed recently how humans no longer consider how their actions will impact others? I have...and it scary to see how this new "Me-first" attitude is taking root in society. What I find most odd about this is that humans are great at rendering assistance after a disaster or tragedy strikes. Each year, millions of dollars are donated, hundreds of pounds of food are contributed, and tons of clothing are freely given to those in need, yet on a day-to-day basis, these very same humans don't see the value of bestowing a simple "thank you" on their customers who make a purchase.
It is worth mentioning here, that common courtesy doesn't mean the same thing as seeing someone as inferior. This is a common misconception. For many years, men offered their chair, tipped their hat in respect, and always opened door for women. This came to be seen as "disrespectful" as though women were incapable of taking care of themselves. And, in some cases, it may have been true. Call me dreamer, but I like to think it was done because men respected women and wanted to express that. Today, most of fail to show respect and common courtesy to anyone...whether it's because we don't want to anger them or because we have a self-centered, ego-driven attitude. But, either way, kindness and courtesy have gone out the window.
March 21st of each year has been set aside as a day to brig back a little of that old-fashion common courtesy. Perhaps it might be helpful to think of it as a new fangled notion that all of us are worthy of respect. Maybe that will make it more palatable, especially to the young people of the world who don't remember a time when courtesy was common. If displaying courtesy towards others isn't a part of your daily routine, this is your day to give it a whirl. not only will the person you're kind and helpful towards feel better, but so will you! And don't forget to use #CommonCourtesyDay on all your social media.
And thank you for reading. I really appreciate it!
It can seem that everywhere we go these days, rudeness reigns supreme. Road rage has replaced courteous driving and sales people rarely, if ever, are eager to help you. Hardly anyone ever hold the door open for their fellow human anymore. And saying "please" and "thank you" is considered old-fashioned. But today is your change that. Showing common courtesy towards our fellow inhabits on Planet Earth can be be small or simple things. Kindness ad courtesy do, actually, go along way and are noticed by other even if you don't realize it.
It wasn't so very long ago that common courtesy was, indeed, common. Manners were taught to school children and books on etiquette were found in mot homes. Children who were taught to behave nicely grew up into adults who showed courtesy and respect for others, whether they believed those others were worthy of it, it or not. While this was not true of everyone, it was true for most. That in't the case today.
The practice of common courtesy instills an attitude of consideration for others. It is a deep realization that "Me, myself, and " aren't the only travelers through life. have you noticed recently how humans no longer consider how their actions will impact others? I have...and it scary to see how this new "Me-first" attitude is taking root in society. What I find most odd about this is that humans are great at rendering assistance after a disaster or tragedy strikes. Each year, millions of dollars are donated, hundreds of pounds of food are contributed, and tons of clothing are freely given to those in need, yet on a day-to-day basis, these very same humans don't see the value of bestowing a simple "thank you" on their customers who make a purchase.
It is worth mentioning here, that common courtesy doesn't mean the same thing as seeing someone as inferior. This is a common misconception. For many years, men offered their chair, tipped their hat in respect, and always opened door for women. This came to be seen as "disrespectful" as though women were incapable of taking care of themselves. And, in some cases, it may have been true. Call me dreamer, but I like to think it was done because men respected women and wanted to express that. Today, most of fail to show respect and common courtesy to anyone...whether it's because we don't want to anger them or because we have a self-centered, ego-driven attitude. But, either way, kindness and courtesy have gone out the window.
March 21st of each year has been set aside as a day to brig back a little of that old-fashion common courtesy. Perhaps it might be helpful to think of it as a new fangled notion that all of us are worthy of respect. Maybe that will make it more palatable, especially to the young people of the world who don't remember a time when courtesy was common. If displaying courtesy towards others isn't a part of your daily routine, this is your day to give it a whirl. not only will the person you're kind and helpful towards feel better, but so will you! And don't forget to use #CommonCourtesyDay on all your social media.
And thank you for reading. I really appreciate it!
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