Being Polite Will NOT Kill You

by Kimberly Hickok

This is a busy time of year. Preparation for the holidays has begun. The stores are packed. The roads are jammed. Sometimes we get so focused on what we’re doing that we forget to be polite. I noticed that the other day when leaving a sports event at my son’s school. A young man held the door and at least ten people walked through without noticing him or saying thank you.

That made me think about where I need to improve and it reminded me of all the things my mother taught me. Those same principles apply on the roads and in this digital age. Here goes:

  • Always say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’
  • Hold the door for others and say Thank You when someone holds it for you
  • If someone lets you pull in front of them in traffic, be sure to smile and wave AND remember to extend the courtesy
  • Don’t block side roads when traffic is stopped
  • Be sure to RSVP to invitations
  • If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all
  • Learn to smile politely
  • Not everything is public information (which translates to ‘keep your private cell phone conversations private, please”)

That’s all I can come up with for now. What would you add to this list?

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1 comment

Janice Doty November 16, 2010 - 3:29 pm

I was just thinking along the same lines!

Something I would add–if you have a basketful while shopping and someone is behind you with 1 or 2 items– let them go first.

Be sincere in your ‘thank yous’ and apologies–will make both parties have a better day.

Thanks for helping us remember the “little things’ make a difference!

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