At one time, a group of friends could be seen walking down a busy street, chatting, conversing, laughing, and enjoying the company of one another. Today, a new set of friends could be walking down that same busy street, but the camaraderie and interaction of these friends has undergone a change. Many times, people are so self-absorbed in the electronic gadgets that have surrounded their lives, whether it is their cell phones, PDA, iPods, iPads, notebook, mini-netbooks, or any of the plethora of gadgets that is now commonplace in our society.
Many are texting, participating in social media, talking on their cell phones, inputting information into their computers, surfing the world wide web, or doing one of a thousand things while they are driving, walking, showering, cooking, cleaning, etc. How many times have others been annoyed and disturbed by the cell phone conversing jabber-mouth who is oblivious of how loud their conversation is while riding in the elevator, or while others are trying to have a pleasant and uninterrupted meal in a restaurant, or trying to have quiet time in the powder room? Nobody in a restaurant wants to hear about someone’s Aunt Macy having a bunion operation while they’re trying to eat their Salisbury steak lunch. Nobody wants to die in an auto accident because of an inattentive driver that had their attention directed to texting. Courtesy and common sense goes a long way. We all need to practice this.
Furthermore, I have noticed that the use of phrases such as, “thank you”, “excuse me”, or “I am sorry”, are said far less today than 30 years ago. At one time, when someone gave a compliment to another, the recipient would graciously say “thank you”. When someone needed to get around someone in order to pass, the phrase “excuse me” was proper to say. Too many times recently I have witnessed compliment recipients saying “I know”, or “whatever”. I’ve also witnessed people saying in very rude tones, “move it”, rather than “excuse me”.
My Time Is Also Valuable
Why do some people make or set appointments and then not show up to the appointment or not call? The term inconsiderate comes to mind. This week alone, I had all business appointments confirmed, only to have 70 percent of these appointments not show up, or call to cancel, or reschedule. It appears that many have simply forgotten, or have chosen to ignore common courtesies.
On the other hand, there are also service providers that continually make their clients wait for them; sometimes, the wait times are considerable. I remember waiting in a doctors' examination room for two hours without even being seen. During this time, I witnessed the doctor walking by my examination room numerous times, or head into his office to work on his files, and eventually decided he was going to lunch rather than see the waiting clients. This is an extreme example, but is unfortunately true.
I don’t know what the solution to these observations would be, or whether it is just the changing of the times. What I do know is that common courtesies should not be taken for granted. Common sense and manners are things that should not change as quickly as times have changed, and should be one thing in life that needs to continue to be practiced in order to separate ourselves from the uncultured and barbaric.
Lynn Murphy - Writing has always been my passion. It's an opportunity to express my thoughts, feelings, and opinions; and to educate and provide facts ...
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