Bad manners and social graces

“Sometimes, to have good manners means putting up with other people’s bad manners.” ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Etiquette expert Emily Post advised that having good manners isn’t just a matter of using the right fork or refraining from passing gas in public. Courtesy, she said, is all about being “sensitive to the feelings of others” and putting them at ease. Civility is another word for kindness in action.

Lately we’ve all noticed an increase in rude, insensitive behavior — on the road, in restaurants, in politics, in grocery stores. If we’re not mindful, boorish behavior will become our cultural norm (if it isn’t already). Bad manners will erode our peace of mind and bring out the worst in us, too.

And so, with all due respect, I disagree with today’s quote. I believe we all deserve better — and I’d rather not “put up with” other people’s bad behavior. ~CL