In today’s technology-driven world, many traditional manners are becoming faded. As society evolves, so do its norms, and the role of parents in teaching and reinforcing these courtesies is more critical than ever. This post explores some rapidly fading manners and examines how parenting changes may contribute to this decline.
Sending Thank You Cards
- Image Credit: Angelo Cordeschi, Shutterstock
Expressing gratitude through handwritten thank you cards was once a common practice. It signified appreciation and effort. This tradition is vanishing, with many children not even sending a text to say thank you. The importance of showing gratitude has been overshadowed by the convenience of digital communication.
Saying “Excuse Me”
The simple act of saying “excuse me” after bumping into someone or interrupting a conversation is often overlooked. This courtesy has been replaced by a sense of entitlement, where individuals, including children, feel less obligated to acknowledge their intrusions.
Blessing Someone After a Sneeze
Another fading courtesy is saying “God bless you” or “bless you” after someone sneezes. Once a routine part of social interactions, this habit is declining, possibly due to changes in social and cultural norms that place less emphasis on such traditional expressions of concern.
Holding the Door Open
Holding the door open for others is a simple yet powerful gesture of politeness. Unfortunately, this practice is becoming rare as people become more engrossed in their own lives and less aware of those around them.
Table Manners
Proper table manners, from using utensils correctly to chewing with one’s mouth closed, are often neglected in modern households. With busy lifestyles leading to fewer family dinners, the opportunity to teach and reinforce these manners has diminished significantly.
Respect for Elders
Respecting elders used to be a cornerstone of societal values. Today, many children do not acknowledge or show deference to older individuals. This shift reflects a broader cultural change where age and experience are less venerated.
Asking Permission
The practice of asking for permission before using someone else’s belongings or entering a room is fading. Children grow up with a sense of entitlement, assuming they can take what they want without seeking consent.
Maintaining Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact during conversations is a crucial social skill that shows attentiveness and respect. However, it is becoming increasingly rare, particularly among younger generations, who are more accustomed to communicating through screens than face-to-face.
Offering Assistance
Offering to help someone in need, whether carrying groceries or assisting with a flat tire, is a kindness seen less frequently. People are more focused on their own tasks and less likely to notice or respond to others’ needs.vc
Not Interrupting
Respecting someone’s turn to speak by not interrupting is an essential part of polite conversation. However, this practice is declining, with children often interrupting adults or peers without hesitation.
Firm Handshakes
A firm handshake has long been a symbol of respect and agreement. This tradition is waning, replaced by more casual and less meaningful gestures. The decline of this practice reflects broader changes in how respect and formality are expressed in social interactions.
Introducing People
Properly introducing people to each other helps facilitate social interactions and shows consideration. Yet, this practice is becoming less common, leading to awkward moments and missed opportunities for connection.
RSVPing
Responding to invitations promptly, known as RSVPing, is a courtesy that helps hosts plan events. The failure to RSVP has become more prevalent, causing inconvenience and uncertainty for those organizing gatherings.
Dressing Appropriately
Adhering to dress codes for various occasions is fading. People increasingly dress casually regardless of the event, undermining the significance of dressing appropriately as a sign of respect for the occasion and the people involved.
Removing Hats Indoors
The etiquette of removing hats indoors, particularly during meals or formal events, is largely forgotten. This small act of respect is seldom observed, reflecting a broader decline in attention to traditional manners.
Giving Up Seats
Offering a seat to someone who needs it more, such as an elderly person or a pregnant woman, is a practice that is disappearing. This decline points to a growing insensitivity to the needs of others in public spaces.
Putting Phones Away
Cell phone etiquette, such as putting phones away during conversations or events, is often ignored. Children and adults alike frequently prioritize their screens over real-world interactions, diminishing the quality of personal connections.
Saying “Pardon Me”
Saying “pardon me” after not hearing someone correctly or needing to pass by is less common. This phrase, which shows consideration, has been replaced by more abrupt communication.
Offering Guests Refreshments
The practice of offering guests refreshments upon their arrival is fading. Hospitality, a key component of social etiquette, is often overlooked.
Writing Thank You Emails
While handwritten thank you notes are rare, even thank you emails are declining. The absence of any form of written gratitude signifies a broader neglect of showing appreciation.
Respecting Personal Space
Respecting personal space by not standing too close or invading others’ privacy is an important social skill that is becoming less observed.
Apologizing Sincerely
The act of offering a genuine apology when wrong is increasingly rare. Often, apologies are either insincere or not offered at all.
Polite Conversation Topics
Avoiding controversial or overly personal topics in casual conversation is a social norm that is fading. Respect for boundaries in discussion is less common.
Letting Others Exit Before Entering
The courtesy of allowing others to exit an elevator or public transport before entering is often ignored, leading to disorganized and disrespectful interactions.
Quiet Public Behavior
Maintaining a low volume in public places, such as libraries or restaurants, is frequently neglected, resulting in noisy and disruptive environments.
