Has courtesy gone with the wind?

Courtesy and good manners are like two parts of a whole – courtesy is the practice of good manners. It is more satisfying to be courteous than being brusque, even when an act of courtesy takes less energy and time to display. Courtesy begets much positive response than arrogance. For instance, even when a superior gives out orders with courtesy to his inferiors, they tend to respond willingly and positively than when being arrogantly ordered around. Therefore, a boss achieves better results when he eschews negative commandeering. Treat a subordinate with courtesy and you can be assured of a loyal and productive staff.

Common courtesy revolves around being considerate to others. Exhibiting this trait is a plus to a person’s up-bringing. Courtesy can be a simple smile, a warm gratitude at the end of a good gesture such as saying “thank you” with a smile, or sincere apology when one goes wrong. One has being taught this cliche from infancy – “learn to say thank you and am sorry”. This is a lesson in courtesy – it costs nothing but pays well. People feel more secured and attracted to the courteous one than they do to those who demonstrate a “larger than life attitude”. Be kind hearted and humble to both familiar and unfamiliar faces. One should not place his demands over peoples feelings except where necessary. Be appreciative of the little effort others make and encourage them politely to reach greater goals. Do not always find faults with people – plenty of this habit is nauseating.

There are times in our lives when you are courteous and yet people take you for granted, do not allow the negativity of others to change how you behave. Courteous people are more pleasant to be with and they tend to be happier and content with life. For merely being courteous, many brilliant and talented people would have been successful in life but unknowingly to some, this chance eludes them by loosing grip of one of the simplest and most noble virtue in the world through arrogance. There is every reason to be courteous and no justification for rudeness. Treat other people with respect and dignity. Eric Hoffer says, “Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength” so it is in your own good to always exhibit courtesy in all you do and forge ahead in life. Take this as a courtesy call on everyone.