Common Courtesy

It never ceases to amaze me how common courtesy seems to have fallen by the wayside. Are people just too busy running their everyday lives to appreciate anything any more, or do they just not care? For a couple of years there was an Indian fellow operating a local gas station, who every time you went in to pay, had his ear glued to a telephone. He'd find the time to make change, and take your money, but couldn't be bothered to speak or say thank you for your service. I considered that extremely rude, eventually stopped going there, and awhile later the place was taken over by someone else.

And the practice of sending thank you cards for gifts, etc. Is this something newer generations don't consider important? Or do they just consider it their due when someone gives them a gift for a wedding, graduation, or whatever the occasion? And therefore, have no need to thank the person for their thoughtfulness? I know I'm older, and from another generation, but my Mother taught me to send thank you cards. I still consider this gesture important, particularly if someone gives you money. At least in that way, you know they did indeed receive their gift. This is a gesture, I have in turn, passed on to my daughter.

Even in a store, should I walk in front of someone, I say excuse me, if someone holds a door for me, I say thank you. What is so time consuming or difficult about showing a little respect, and gratefulness, if someone deserves it? I've even received nice responses from some individuals, but not all. Even when they look at you as though they hadn't expected it. Unfortunately, I have to assume, such practices are not common these days. Many, particularly young people would as soon say, screw you, as excuse me, thank you, or you're welcome.

It will be a mighty sad day indeed, should thoughtless and inconsideration become the norm. Parents need to stress the importance of common courtesies to their youngsters. Many people appreciate that little gesture of please, thank you, or you're welcome. Lets not turn our society into an ungrateful lot, but one where we at least show a little respect and thankfulness for simple gestures. And I'm not referring to a "one fingered salute." Times are tough enough, and we all have our battles to fight, but simple courtesies are just that, simple, not time consuming.

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