Good Manners

“A man’s manners are the mirror in which he shows his portrait.”

Good manners acquire a unique place in life. They are the first mark on good breeding and reflect directly on a person’s upbringing. They are to be acquired and cultivated.  They have to be inculcated in a person during his/her childhood because it is the best period for learning and imbibing good manners. As said in The Holy Bible, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old enough he will never depart from it. “

As Milton said, “Childhood shows the man as morning shows the day.” Thus, manners must be emphasized from childhood.

“Good manners will open doors which the best education cannot.” – Clarence Thomas.

Good manners are the sure key to success. They not only depict social behaviour but they are an ideal form of personal conduct and character. They are little courtesies that make the machine of life run smoothly. They help in making friends and winning over people.  The root for courtesy is kindness and consideration for others and they evolve as the society changes. Good manners are lithe gestures that make a lot of difference.

The following reflect the good old fashioned manners:

1.   Always say “please” and”thank you”.

2.   Never ever embarrass anyone intentionally.

3.   Never boast about one self.

4.   Never gossip.

5.   Never pry.

6.   Never ask personal questions to anyone.

7.   Never stare on anyone.

8.   Never point at anyone.

9.   Never talk loudly.

10. Dress appropriately.

11. Never interrupt in other people business.

12. Always knock the door before entering the door.

13. Close the door quietly while leaving the room.

14. Never interrupt when the other person is speaking.

15. Always be tidy and be punctual.

16. Don’t loose your temper.

17. Don’t curse or use improper language.

18. Do not spit.

19. Show respect to elders.

20. Do not laugh at others mistakes.

21. Sit and walk straight. Maintain good postures at all times.

22. Laugh, smile, giggle or cry with dignity. Do not make a scene.

23. Speak properly. Refrain from mumbling or speaking fast.

24. Speak as grammatically as you can.

25. Never assume anything about anyone.

26. Never touch other person’s things or children unless invited to do so.

27. And at last, never talk about money.

Kindness and courtesy need not always be deliberate and planned. Spontaneous kindness is an attribute of a person who already is well mannered and courteous and whose natural instinct for courtesy is demonstrated in everything he or she does.  

Good Manners for Kids and Children:

To Themselves:-

1. Be honest and truthful.

2. Do not use bad language.

3. Always keep out of bad company.

4. Keep your things and yourself neat, clean and tidy.

At Home:-

1. Help your parents as much as you can.

2. Never ever upset them.

3. Be kind to your siblings.

4. Don’t be selfish.

5. Share your belongings with your brothers and sisters.

At School:-

1. Show respect to your teachers.

2. Never misbehave with them.

3. Obey the school rules.

4. Don’t copy or cheat.

5. Never let others be punished in mistake of yours. 

6. Abstain from being coward and mean.

At Play:-

1. Don’t cheat at games.

2. Be pleasant and not quarrelsome.

3. Don’t bully; only coward do this.

At Street:-

1. Greet your teachers, friends and acquaintances when you meet them.

2. Don’t push or run against people.

3. Don’t write on doors, walls or gates.

4. Don’t throw stones or destroy property.

5. Do not annoy shopkeepers by loitering at their shop doors and windows.

6. Avoid making slides on the pavement or throwing orange peels or banana on them. These may result in dangerous accidents.

7. Do not make fun of elderly or handicapped people walking on the road.

8. Be polite to everyone walking alongside.

At Dining Table:-

1. Always wash your hands and face before coming to the table.

2. Avoid being greedy.

3. Don’t speak or drink with food in your mouth.

4. Always turn your head away from the table and put for hand or finger on the mouth before you start sneezing or coughing.

5. Don’t sit with your elbows on the table.

6. Don’t make sound while eating.

Everywhere:

1. Never be rude to anybody.

2. Remember to say “please” or “thank you”.

3. Knock the door before entering a room.

4. Close the room quietly while leaving it.

5. Always show attention to older and elder people by opening the door for them and providing a seat for them.

6. Never interrupt person he or she is while speaking.

7. Never peep into other people private life.

Always remember:

“Always do to others as you wish them to do to you if you were in their place.”