The importance of good manners

"Manners maketh the man" is a true saying. By manners we mean proper and respectful behaviour towards people with whom we come into contact. Unfortunately, I've noticed that good manners are not as common as we'd like to think they are. And, above all, they are not often taken for granted.

Yesterday, for example, I went to the dentist. While I was entering/As I entered the lounge I greeted people who were waiting there, as I usually do, but surprisingly and rudely, nobody answered me. They rudely continued reading their magazines and looking at their mobile phones.

I was really disappointed because, let's be honest, a kind and polite greeting doesn't cost a lot, does it? [This is my suggestion if you're aiming to sound really natural...]

Sadly, this isn't the only episode I could relate. I hear people using bad language every day, I see people running or shoving other people on buses and trains, and see older people standing up whilst youngsters/younger ones remain comfortably seated.

What's more, almost all civilities, such as "Thank you", "Please" and "Yes, Sir/Madam" are totally neglected.

I hope that this worrying situation is just my impression, and not a true reflection of modern behaviour.

I moved the 'rudely' because it sounded unnatural where you'd placed it, but sounded perfectly fine in the immediately following sentence. As usual, this was really well written Francesca...well done!

And sadly, I don't think it's just your impression....