Politeness seems to have been a fad.
Technology has played a big role in reshaping the rules of etiquette we once followed religiously. It's not that I despise the internet, I just don't appreciate how it's affected common courtesy.
Here are 10 rules of etiquette we all followed growing up, but just don't exist today. Let's use technology to our advantage to spread this article so that we can bring these back!
1. Basic courteous words
All I ask of kids these days is just basic courteous words or phrases. My family would always greet each other in the morning with a friendly "good morning" or "hello." When we left the house, we would at least say goodbye if we didn't wish them to have a good day.
Another thing that was important in my household was saying "please" and "thank you." There's nothing that aggravated my father more than being impolite when someone does something for you.
2. Taking care of your appearance
In a private area, you would apply your makeup and do anything that needs to be done so that you would look presentable in public. Nowadays I see people leaving the house with their gardening clothes on. I miss walking around and seeing beautiful dresses, high heels, pantyhose, and stylish hats.
3. Proper posture
My mother would always caress her hand across my shoulders to remind me to sit up straight. Having proper posture was a sign of respect to yourself, and that you enjoy the company of those around you. Slouching was a sign of boredom or laziness.
4. Writing handwritten thank you notes
Nothing says "I appreciate you," more than a well-thought out, handwritten note. No one bothers to do this anymore now that it's easy to send a quick message via text or email.
5. Table manners
You won't be able to go to a restaurant today without seeing someone with their elbows on the table. That was a big no-no in my house, along with not slurping liquid food or drinks, and reaching over someone to grab food.
I dearly miss these next five rules of etiquette!
6. Rising when an older person enters the room
As a sign of respect, when someone older than me entered the room I would always stand up and greet them.
I remember going to England a few years ago and all my sister's children rose to greet my husband and me. It was a sign that they acknowledged our presence, and respected us enough to stand up and greet us properly. This is probably what I miss most from the good ol' days!
7. Sitting with your ankles crossed
My mother always said a true lady sits with her ankles crossed. I don't know why girls these days don't sit like this anymore, it's actually quite comfortable and you also feel balanced.
8. Taking off hats indoors
Men always took off their hats when they walked indoors as a sign of respect.
It was a rule of thumb for decades until boys couldn't bother to take off their baseball hats any longer. They wear it so low you can barely see their face!
9. A woman decides when the night ends
During a date, men were always waiting for a hint to know what the next move would be. Of course, a woman would someway make it clear that the evening was over. For example, they would decide not to order dessert. That was a huge hint.
10. Make an offer
While men usually would pay for the meal during a dinner date, a women would always offer.
It's not just in these times that it was important to make an offer, but sometimes kindly declining something is a sign that you're not greedy.
