Manners vs. Etiquette
The words are used synonymously but there is a slight difference in their meaning. Etiquette refers to rules governing socially acceptable behavior. eg. dining etiquette refers to the correct way to set a table and dine. Manners generally refers to kind and acceptable behavior when interacting with others. The difference came to mind this week when I went to the Post Office to mail four packages; two envelopes, a small box and a slightly larger box with books...heavy. It was cold and of course I wanted to make one trip in and one trip out. I hope there wasn't a camera on me....but there was a man heading toward the PO who I saw out of the corner of my eye. First I dropped one envelope, picked it up...then another...picked it up...then the small box. I finally put the heavy box down pushed it against the wall with my foot, left it there to come back for and walked to the door. The man then sprinted to beat me to the door. Now there are no rules for how to behave when you are headed toward a PO and see someone struggling with her packages...but really? Would it have killed him to give me a hand? That situation called for manners...old fashioned gentlemanly manners. At the very least he could have held the door.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
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3 comments:
That behavior is simply repugnant to me. As an able bodied man blessed with good health, I take it as my responsibility to assist others in small ways whenever possible. As a husband I would like to think that, should my wife be in a similar situation and need a little help, that another gentleman would take a moment to assist her as well. It's the small niceties that adds some pleasantness to our everyday lives.
But that would mean he would have to think of someone other than himself!! Surely you jest! People thinking about and looking out for one another; helping their fellow person where they can? What a concept!
The obvious to me is that he was afraid he would get stuck in line behind a woman with several packages to ship, never even considering that she would probably let him go ahead of her just for that reason. I am very tired of everyone believing that they come first, without even considering others.
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