Where is common courtesy?
Nov 13th, 2006 by Debbie
Whatever happened to common courtesy? Just the other day, I was coming out of the gym where I work. I followed a woman who was leaving the locker room out to the gym and then out to the hallway of my building. She opened the door exiting the gym and then let go of it rather than holding it for me. Ok, maybe she didn’t see me.
So I followed her out into the gym and we both approached the door leading to the hallway. Again, she did the same thing. I grabbed the door, saying very loudly, “thanks!” This has happened so many times to me I’ve lost count. Please - if you’re opening a door, take a second to see if someone is behind you and hold it for them. It’s RUDE not to!
And what ever happened to the cashiers at the department or convenience stores actually handing you your bagged purchase and saying “thank you!” I remember the days when your items were bagged, the receipt was stapled to the closed bag, and it was handed to you. Is it too much work for them to pick up that bag they just filled with your purchases and hand it to you? They are already scanning the next customers items before you’ve even had a chance to grab your bag! Oh when this happens, I REALLY take my time!
I have to say, where I live there is still a pretty good level of courtesy. I do try myself, but I think that has a lot to do with upbringing. I was still raised with the idea that you showed respect to elders and worked hard for a living. Simple principles taught along with the idea that you think of others, not always of yourself. I may not be the best out there, but I feel like I try. I am always happy to see when others show this basic courtesy for others. My wife commented the other day that while pushing our sons wheelchair from a dentist appointment about how many other people held open doors and went out of their way to help. There is still hope, some people still believe in showing that common courtesy, but I agree, there are many that don’t.
I agree with you Jeremy, there are many more people that do show common courtesy, than those who don’t. But when you have to deal with those who can’t be courteous, you just want to slap them and say “where are your manners?!”