Every month has its own holidays and special occasions, and many of them are fun to celebrate with friends and family. Sometimes we go through these events without actually thinking too much about them. September is National Courtesy Month, but what does that really mean?
The basic definition of courtesy is displaying good manners and polite behavior. It’s about showing respect to others and getting along with the people who share our world. Unfortunately, the simple act of courtesy often falls by the wayside. There was a time when it was referred to as ‘common courtesy’, but it rarely seems very common anymore.
So what can we do? We can work together to bring courtesy back as an important part of our lives. It won’t even take much effort – there are many small things people can do every day to show respect and politeness to their fellow human beings. When you are the benefactor of courteous behavior, like another shopper letting you go before them in line at a grocery store, it makes you feel good and encourages you to do something nice for someone else. Here are a few ideas on how you can be courteous and ‘pay it forward’.
We all go through several doors every day. Many of them are automatic, but plenty still have to be opened the ‘old fashioned’ way. Sure, they’re easy to open, but think how it feels when someone takes a moment to hold a door for you. Chances are it brightens your day, at least a little. The door holder hasn’t done anything you couldn’t do in less than a second, but the important thing is that a stranger took the time to recognize you and wait for you. It’s not the deed that makes you feel good; it’s the thoughtfulness behind that deed. Hold the door open for people who are right behind you – you may not save them any effort, but your courteous act can be meaningful to them.
Everyone has to share the planet, so it’s important to keep others in mind when you’re in public. One place that common courtesy seems to have largely died away is at the movies. How often have you seen fellow film-goers talk loudly, send text messages or even chat on a cell phone? If it bothers you, it’s safe to assume it will bother others. The movie will be over soon enough; save your conversations for afterwards.
Another area that too often lacks common courtesy is the road. Drivers frequently tailgate, fail to use their turn signals, cut other drivers off and refuse to let faster cars go by them in the passing lane. This rudeness often has a seriously negative effect of other motorists, and can develop into feelings of road rage. Politeness should be one of the most important parts of every trip. Not only will common courtesy on the road make life a little better for everyone, it will also help people avoid accidents and arrive safely.
It all boils down to following the golden rule; treat others as you would like to be treated. Say thank you and please, be considerate of other people’s personal space and commit random acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day. Come up with your own ways to help spread politeness across the nation. Perhaps if we all work together, we can make the idea of common courtesy a little more realistic.
This September let’s celebrate National Courtesy Month by paying it forward and showing patience, kindness and respect to our fellow human beings. Please visit the PeopleFinders.com People Search blog
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