Common Courtesy and The Art of Conversation
Please. Thank you. Excuse me.
Words like the above seem to be fading from everyday language. If you live in a large city like I do, its not unusual to be stepped on or bumped
into with out so much as an acknowledgment by the offender, never mind hearing that person say, “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry”.
However, for those of us who want to “make good conversation”, common courtesy is essential. No request is complete with out the word “please”, no
favor properly acknowledged without “thank you” being expressed. But it seems that many people have gotten away from being courteous.
Is Being Courteous Passé
Some may say that in this dog-eat-dog world where aggression and me first-ism is king, being courteous is outdated. That is true if all you’re
concerned about is yourself, but for those of us who want to start and have great conversations, being courteous is a good way to make that happen.
Why is that the case? Because courteous people are generally well liked.
Who wouldn’t like someone who is always quick to say “thank you” or “please”? Who wouldn’t enjoy having someone enter a room and greet you with
a hardy “hello” or “good morning”? Who wouldn’t forgive someone who walked all over your feet if he or she said a truly heartfelt “I’m sorry”?
It’s the Right Thing to Do
Besides that fact that being courteous will make you a likeable person, it’s also the right thing to do. In this world where crime, war, and terrorism
have become something we all have to face in one form or the other, being kind and courteous is a way to make the tough times a little more bearable
for everyone.
Then to, you never know who you’ll come into contact with each day and how they can impact you life, so be courteous to all. Let please, thank you, I’m
sorry, and the like be a part of your pattern of speaking, and you will find that not only will you meet many interesting people to converse with; you’ll
also help make the world a better place.
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