Un-Common Courtesy

Common courtesy sounds like an oxymoron these days. If you really want to stand out in a crowd just show some common courtesy and manners. This may involve anything from extending your hand in friendship, to saying, “Thank you” as an acknowledgment of a good deed that has you have been given. Nothing will parallel the impact of how people see you, as will simple manners. Just think about how you feel when someone treats you with common courtesy. Don’t you feel glad to have met that person?

Courtesy requires you to see past your own nose and consider others. It may be as easy as greeting someone with a smile or holding the door open for them. Saying, “Excuse me” ”Please” and “Thank you”, being on time, allowing others to speak, and acknowledging someone who is waiting for you, are all signs of respect, as well as self respect.  It basically comes down to anticipating the needs of others and acting upon it.

Of course, there will be times when people will walk right past you as if, you are their personal, lowly door man. If you are expecting something in return for your kind gesture then this may upset you. Remember, people will always disappoint you, sooner or later. You won’t be disappointed if you do not have expectations. The idea behind courtesy is giving with out any expectation of return. Being a courteous person will strengthen your character and change how people perceive you. And I, for one, will thank you for doing your part in making this a better world.