BOWAworld

Courtesy

by Bert Oliva

A little courtesy never hurt anyone. However when you lack a little, it could.

Men: How often do you hold the door open for a lady or give your seat up? Did you know you should stand when a lady enters a room and only sit when she sits?

Women: Do you stand in front of the door waiting for a man to let you in? Or are you the one that rushes in?

Taking the last piece of cake, not cleaning up after ourselves, etc. gets old fast. Being courteous means putting yourself in the other person’s shoes instead of thinking of you first.

It means doing something without being asked and this is not a one-time event. We all think we are courteous to some extent but it takes practice. Bad habits do not get better unless you are aware of them. Once you pick up bad habits and behaviors, especially from watching and learning from other people, they become normal. Habits turn into behaviors, which turn into characteristics, which define YOU.

Don’t forget THANK YOU! It only takes a brief moment but can have an important significance for the person receiving the token of appreciation. It shows you appreciate and value the other person’s efforts.

Some other tips on this that you can practice RIGHT NOW are:

1) Try to remember someone’s name. Repeat it a couple of times. Everyone hates when someone mispronounces his or her name.

2) Talk and respond in full sentences.

3) No truck driver language around people you don’t know. Especially when kids could be around.

4) Don’t monopolize the conversation. Conversation hogs, it’s not all about you.

5) Be sensitive to others timeliness. If they are looking at their watch, it might be time to wrap it up.

6) If you borrow something from someone try to ask him or her first. If absolutely necessary leave a note and an apology for using it without their consent.

7) Respect the opinions of others, even if you do not agree.

These are just some of many reflections of our own attitudes that can be improved and worked on consistently throughout our daily lives. Be it as you may, every little bit of practice can be embraced to help our world be just a little bit more enjoyable and pleasant.

Until next time.