by Ginger Philbrick
Happy New Year!
That said, and meant, let’s consider the reality that there exist areas in the daily lives of all of us that could be improved upon. Behaviors that could make this 2023 more pleasant for everyone, including ourselves.
A while back, Good Housekeeping magazine published a list of the 15 most irritating manners in which we engage. I have excerpted seven of them that I think would be most in evidence in our beautiful Northern Neck, so that those who are aiming to be on Santa’s Good List next year can be aware of what might keep their names in absentia there.
Let’s get going….
• Not saying “Thank you” when a door is opened for you.
• Watching videos on your phone in public.
• Texting in movie theaters.
• Touching a pregnant woman’s belly.
• Engaging in extreme public displays of affection.
• Not responding to an RSVP.
• Not covering your mouth when you cough, yawn or chew.
Were you surprised, as I was, at some of them?
I thought for certain that spitting in public would top the list, as it did a few years ago, but it didn’t even make the top 15! Well, one of the things that makes life interesting is change.
However, if you look over the list again you will notice the one thing that I believe will never change. In fact, I would stake my first edition copy of Emily Post’s Etiquette on it—people want, need and ask for respect.
Thank you for your time, your questions, your ideas and your respect over the past eight-plus years. You truly are a treasured readership.
Again, Happy New Year!
Ginger Philbrick is the owner of Because You Are Polite LLC. You are invited to email your manners questions to her and she will respond as time and space allow. You may contact her at youarepolite1@gmail.com.
