What happened to manners? Where did they go?

When I was younger I was always brought up to be kind and courteous. Not just to my ‘elders’ but to everyone.

I am personally noticing that this is something that is dying out.

Please, can we bring it back!?

I’m not talking about men holding doors open, pulling out chairs or opening car doors – I can do all of those things myself!

I will give you 3 stories to show you the stuff I am talking about.

A story; just the other day I was walking through the wonderful Drake Circus in Plymouth. The doors in this shopping centre can be opened both ways, either push or pull (a relief for someone who never reads and always looks like an idiot…I digress). I was walking behind 2 people both female, probably students like me, the 2 girls proceeded to go through the door and I was maybe 2 feet behind them. Neither of them made the effort to look behind them to see if anyone was there and let the door close. RUDE! And yes I did walk out saying loudly ‘Don’t worry I got the door!’

Another instance – now this one made me really angry!

Last placement (summer 2013) I was lucky enough to be placed in Plymouth, I could get the bus to and from each day – happy days!

I left my house around 7:30am to get the bus at 7:55. I arrived at the bus stop and the usual faces were there waiting for their buses too, of which about 6 stop in the 10 minutes I am waiting for my bus.

Soon after arrives a gentleman, maybe aged around 55-60. He notices all the people waiting and waits too.

I look down the road as my bus is coming along; move out stick my hand out and the bus stops just past me.

THE MAN THEN GOT ON BEFORE ME!

What has happened to this world – we are in England and we like to queue! Wait your turn mister. Needless to say I am English and didn’t make a fuss, just grumbled under my breath.

My last example happened only yesterday.

I was in Primark, buying some clothes, waiting in the looooong queue as always, when a lady and her friend joined the queue behind me. The lady was buying a dressing gown and had a basket full of clothes. Every time I moved up with the queue, there she was, nudging me in the back with her dressing gown…Get back… Why so close? I’m still going to be served before you.

One time I didn’t move fast enough and she accidently, although preventable, kicked my shoe… but still continued to move at the same pace.

 

So here are a few things that I would like people to consider when in public:

1.    Hold doors for people it’s nice.

2.    Wait your turn.

3.    Keep your distance I don’t need you in my pocket.

4.    Be courteous.

That’s all I’m asking, is it really too much?

And it might just make the world a nicer place to be!