Respect and Etiquette

I know from time to time we all ask ourselves “How do I want to be treated?”  What happened to the way people used to respond to one another?  Are we all so busy in our lives that we don’t remember how to be considerate of one another?  Etiquette and manners are based on the principle of respect.  The dictionary defines respect, the noun form, as “a feeling of deferential regard, the state of being regarded with esteem, polite expressions of deference.”  The verb form according to the dictionary means “to feel or show esteem for, to show consideration for.”

When I was growing up, my brother and I were taught to respect others.  Our parents were wonderful role models, and they showed by example  how to treat and relate to others.  Respectful behavior was expected as the norm.  We were not perfect children by any means, but we did learn the meaning of being respectful to ourselves and other people.  The Golden Rule was the example we followed.  As a child, I remember my parents saying so many times “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  I don’t know at the time if I realized this meant respect others.  That was a pretty big word when I was little.  However, I did know that it meant to be nice and kind to people just like you wanted them to treat you.

Somewhere along the way, the Golden Rule has taken a backseat in our world today.  Many people are consumed with themselves in their careers, social life, and home life.  It’s all about me.  I come first is the attitude of some people.  The problem  with this type of behavior is the example it is setting for our children and others.  If we aren’t respectful and considerate of others, why should our children be?  A parent is a child’s greatest teacher.  It’s not difficult to be respectful of one another.  My mother was very fond of saying that it took a lot more effort to be rude to someone than it did to be nice to them.

As parents, teachers, and adults, we must strive to bring back respect in our lives for our well-being and our children’s well-being.  This is a foundation block for a civilized society.  We all benefit from respectful and considerate behavior.  When we make being respectful one of our everyday behaviors, we are on the way to having good etiquette and manners.

Questions or comments are always appreciated.

Ginny Brown
The Etiquette School of Northeast Georgia
Hoschton, Georgia (Hamilton Mill area, Dacula, GA)
Email Ginny Brown
678-889-4814 office
770-296-4159 cell

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