Life Lesson Number 10: Manners Matter
We live in a narcissistic time in history. The concept of self-love grabbed the spotlight, and any thought of consideration for others got swept off the stage. It’s as if people consider manner an ancient belief. People believe manners make them appear weak. Therefore, acting tough will get them ahead. You see it everywhere you go. The behavior is in the workplace, the shopping center, and on the roads. I am not talking about an old-fashioned set of rules. Manners are a system of behavior that shows respect for others. I am here to say that manners matter.
Manners Matter
Rooster and I took the granddaughters, not a local fast-food restaurant. I won’t mention the name of this eating establishment, but it is famous for happy meals, play places, golden arches, and hamburgers. They even have a happy clown serving as the company representative, whose name rhythms with Donald. Okay, enough said. I know the food is filled with empty calories , but the grandkids enjoy play area. The weather is cold, snow covers the ground, and colorful climbing apparatuses allow the girls to work off pent-up energy.
We finished eating, and the kids started playing when an eruption occurred in the kitchen area. An employee engaged in a heated argument with her manager about the reason her hours were cut. It didn’t take long for her to start throwing profanity around the restaurant. She used a word that starts with an F and ends with a K. When that didn’t get the desired response, she throughout the version of the word that starts with a dear female relative.
Manners Matter
It’s not like I believe my granddaughters have never heard the word. In face, I am sure they have, but I use this as an example of how out of control people are these days. The boss told the young lady to keep her voice down and see if he could find her additional hours. I believe the young woman should have been fired on the spot. Also, I realize labor issues exist, but manners matter.
What I find most offensive about the situation is that the young woman thought her right to anger negated the offense she caused to the people attending her performance. This young woman’s feelings overshadowed the right for everyone else in the restaurant to exist in a profanity free zone. The children witnessing the event didn’t know what would happen next with the increased public violence.
Manners Matter
There are simple guidelines where manners are concerned.
- Don’t yell profanity at people in public.
- Don’t chew with your mouth full.
- Keep your hands to yourself.
- Remember, it’s not all about you.
- I don’t care what fork you use if you don’t eat with your hands.
- Signal when you are changing lanes or making a turn.
- Don’t cut in line. Wait your turn.
- And most importantly, be kind to one another.
If you do all of the things mentioned above, you will be making headway in becoming a decent human being. Always remember matters matter.
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for reading.
Well said. It saddens and riles me at the same time that our society has lost its manners. I’ve heard this same language spoken to a 2 year old by it’s mother. Shameful. Manners matter.
Yes they do.
I wish I could say this surprised me. It doesn’t. My husband was shocked at my response when our children were little and we were on a road trip. We were in Indiana and had stopped to eat at the Cracker Barrel. Our tired children were loudly picking at each other. I packed up their food and took them to the hotel to eat. I couldn’t believe the woman next me telling me that I was wrong to make them leave. I didn’t want our kids to ruin everyone’s experience. All across the country we have seen so many people acting like they were raised feral. It is too bad that your outing with your grandchild had to be spoiled. I agree that the person should have been fired.
Raised feral! HahaHA!! 😆👌
I am afraid this is becoming standard behavior. Indiana does have a large number of Cracker Barrels. Where were you at in your travels?
We were in Hammond. I have a fun story about a state worker who promised us an Indiana sign. Nope, he never sent one. This was after I listened to his prostate story. I tell you the stories I have had on the road. I have one rule with children I don’t negotiate with terrorists. Our kids are well-mannered even when it kills me.
Hammond is about three hours north of us. It’s close to Chicago. That is a good policey.
I think people are afraid to be parents today. Have you read Zippy, it about a girl growing up in Gary Indiana?
No, I haven’t.
It pretty sweet and there is a follow up called She got off the couch
This was so entertaining! As soon as I figure out which restaurant that is I’m going to go there and use the M and F words I’ll have figured out by then too. Do you think they’ll offer to bring me in for extra hours and PAY me to do it some more?… 🤣
Shoot, They would probably pay you to sit in the lobby.
Hahaha!! More likely they’d send someone to go: “You living in that van? ‘Kay, then, you can’t eat in here, you have to take it outside. And we’d like to search your bags first, please.”
Okay, forget the “please.”