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A World Without Manners

I was taught old-fashioned manners, like always be polite, wait for your turn, don't depend on others to do your work, etc. I grew up in a time when being mannerly was expected. Wait for your turn is a no-brainer; if everyone is standing in line you don't cut in front of them, right? Even when there's food involved. That's just fairness at its essence.

Last month I read an article about a lawyer who was arrested for assaulting a man with a plate while waiting in line at the food buffet. This turned into a fist and food fight (during a wedding, no less) because someone cut the line and everyone went nuts, or so the lawyer claims.

I had the same situation happen to me during the holidays. My guy took me out for dinner, and I ordered the endless salad bar and soup. I then went to the salad bar, waiting for my turn behind six other people who were already there. After five minutes it was finally my turn, but then this woman got up from a table, stepped right in front of me and started talking to me while she helped herself to the salad stuff. I couldn't hear what she said because I wasn't wearing my hearing aids, but it was probably nonsense like "Oh, you don't mind, do you?" or "I just want a little of this."

I didn't like that she stepped in front of me -- unlike her, I had waited for my turn, and rude people are my least favorite humans to be around -- but I simply smiled at her and waited until she got out of my way. I did not smash a plate on her head or assault her. I didn't spit on her. I did not even object to what she had done. Why?

Because I have manners.

I know time is precious -- never more so to me since I reached this part of my life. When we go out to dinner, it's so I can have a relaxing time and not worry about cooking. That woman would have ruined my night, but I let it go. She wasn't worth my anger or a single extra moment of thought. Sadly I have to do that a lot more often these days because it seems that people are no longer interested in having manners. They want what they want, and will walk right over you to get it, and you'd better not say anything or you'll get a plate smashed over your head.

Shame. Really. I much preferred the world when most everyone had some manners.

Image credit: Mark Wilson from Pixabay

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Maria Zannini said…
I wish I could get Greg to wear a hearing aid. I'm always having to repeat myself, or worse, raise my voice, which I hate to do, especially in public.

I used to think it was younger people who had a lack of manners, but in my experience, it's people my age who think they can butt in to a line.

I'm always impressed with the young people we run into in our area. One time, Greg had to sit down at a garden center. It was hot and his back hurt. People stopped what they were doing and came over to see if he was all right. Young kids will see me struggling with something I'm trying to reach above my head and rush to help me.

There are some boors in every corner, but also some good people.
March 30, 2025 at 6:19 AM
the author said…
It was a woman my age who stepped in front of me that day, lol.
March 31, 2025 at 10:24 AM
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