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Tweet Nothings: Manners Matter
- June 27, 2012
- on 6/27/2012
- MoJo: Jennifer Gerlock
Manners. Let’s talk about them.
I recently spent two days at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulpher Springs, W.Va., and was astounded by their use of manners.
Every single employee made eye contact, smiled and said hello. They acknowledged me on social media, gingerly poured my coffee for me, laid out my towels by the pool, served me frozen grapes when I looked too warm and called me Ma’am. Constantly. Almost, I’m ashamed to admit, to the point of my being uncomfortable.
Which is ridiculous if you think about it. Who feels uncomfortable at that?
I think it is because I’m so used to a fast paced abrupt lifestyle. Now granted, this was a resort and it was in the South so one would expect an increase in hospitality. But they really went over and above, and it made me really evaluate my own behavior.
In my opinion, many have lost the fine art of manners in today’s society. Case in point, this picture circling the Internet regarding manners on the sports field.
It reads…
Please remember:
These are kids.
This is a game.
The coaches volunteer.
The umpires are human.
It is a sin to think that someone had to have a sign made up to remind people to behave themselves.
And while we are talking good behavior, when was the last time you really thanked someone for helping you out? No, I’m not talking about texting them. I’m talking about the long, lost art of the thank you note.
It shows you care and that your mother raised you right. And you don’t have to live in the south to appreciate the gesture. (Hint, hint.)
Which reminds me, I think I’ll crack open my notecards and write a little thank you of my own. The staff at the Greenbrier deserves it.
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Amen! I'm not afraid to remind other people's kids to say 'please' and 'thank-you' as I hope other adults do if my children forget.
Also on the list of dying etiquette seems to be the ability to RSVP (even electronically) - it's a simple yes or no but so many people can't seem to be able to do either and just turn up if they feel like it or don't show up if they don't.... makes it very difficult to host an event if you don't really have any idea the number of guests to expect.
Ahh yes, Ms. Gerlock. So true. So prescient of you to have written about this topic. How well I remember in my long, long, LOOOOOONG ago youth my excitement the day I received my first set of Crane Stationery Thank You notes with my intials embossed on them! I confess, I haven't written a thank-you that wasn't electronic in over a year. But, at least I say "thank-you" and "you're welcome" and walk on the correct side of the street and grocery store aisle. Don't get me started....