WOMAN: Mind your manners

It may be an old-school saying but the phrase ‘minding your Ps and Qs’ will never go out of fashion. Displaying good manners is so much than dropping a ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ here and there and sadly, these days, standards seem to be slipping.

In a world dominated by technology and a ‘me, me, me’ attitude, it’s no longer influenced by the selfless but more likely a selfie-obsessed youth culture who are all about themselves more so than other people. Before there’s an almighty uproar attacking the teenage population, it’s not all young people, some of the older generation can be cantankerous and rude too.

Good manners, humility and respect are becoming harder to find but they really shouldn’t. If they’re instilled in us from an early age they become the norm and a habit which will do you well later in life. It will become the norm to open doors for others, offer your seat on a crowded train or bus and saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ will not even register as being something you should do because it will slip off the tongue so easily.

Being polite means you are showing regard for others and have them in mind when you think about what you are saying or the way you behave.

It means respecting others by taking into consideration the things they say or do and appreciating that others have a right to their own opinions. No one likes arrogance or a sense of self-importance, after all we’re all human and all equal despite what our social standing may be.

We should be showing humility and modesty rather than over-confidence and an inflated ego. When someone pays a compliment, it’s far more attractive to be humble and say ‘thank you’ than to mouth off with a gobby and conceited response such as ‘yes, I know’ or such like.

Good manners include traits such as being punctual. If you arrange to meet people or have an appointment at a certain time it is polite to adhere to the arrangement rather than disregard the importance of other’s time and turn up late without a second thought.

Discipline from a young age is a positive way to emphasise how important manners are and will encourage good behaviour.

Showing self respect will help gain respect from others and making an effort with your appearance, always wearing smart shoes and having pride in yourself will show externally.

Being thoughtful and kind are important qualities as they show you care and have an interest in others.

Simpler things such as not eating while walking down the street, not texting while someone is talking to you, not talking over people, not interrupting conversations, holding open doors, not jumping queues and even smiling mean you are aware of the world around you, showing concern and respect for others.

Apologising for inappropriate or bad behaviour and showing remorse goes a long way into having a caring nature.

All of this is crucial to get on in life, good manners will get your far and the best bit is – in this materialistic, commercialised world – they don’t cost a thing.

TO THE MANNERS BORN: TOP TIPS ON HOW TO SHOW CONSIDERATION

1. Use key phrases: please, thank you, excuse me.

2. Keep your phone on silent or set the ring tone to quiet while in public places.

3. Don’t be overly loud while talking on public transport.

4. Let others out of a lift, or off a bus before you get on.

5. Refrain from swearing in public.

6. Be mindful about what you post on social media.

7. Keep negative thoughts about others or a particular situation to yourself, don’t share them in public.

8. If someone emails or calls and requests you get back to them, do so as soon as possible.

9. Always be on time or let others know if you are running late.

10. Never turn up empty-handied to a party or event.