Monday Manners

Who would have thought that good manners or proper etiquette would be the exception rather than the rule? It appears that being polite may often attract more attention than rudeness.

Case in point: My husband and I often have the opportunity to catch a movie during the week. The theater is usually quite empty in the afternoon, so we never have to wait in line to purchase tickets or popcorn. I wouldn't say that we go often, but probably twice a month. So, I was very amazed when the young man at the counter asked, "You guys are in here a lot, aren't you?"

I responded, "Well, I guess so. Why do you ask?"

He smiled and said, "I remember you. You're always so polite."

Then, I realized that whenever I ask for something or place an order, even at a fast-food restaurant, I always say, "May I have the...(whatever I am ordering)?" Inadvertently, I am always the recipient of a big smile and the response of, "Yes, you MAY."

It's funny, I never noticed this until the young man commented on my manners. He obviously wasn't used to it. How sad! I decided to pay closer attention to other customers and their manners. Oh my, was I shocked and disappointed, to say the least.

Examples: 1. Gimme the number three. 2. I need a large decaf, extra cream. 3. I'll take a pound of the smoked turkey, sliced thin. The list goes on and on. I don't think I ever heard the words "May I."

Doesn't anyone say, "May I," anymore? My mother insisted that her children always asked with "May I," and NEVER, "Can I." We were never allowed to ask for something to eat or drink when visiting family or friends. We had to wait to be offered refreshments. I still remember the old, "Children should be seen and not heard," drummed into our heads. Etiquette and manners were mandatory.

Hopefully, this age of high-speed informality, and digitally driven rudeness will not prevail. May I make a suggestion? Let's all remember our manners out there folks!