Mannerism in today’s society
The importance of good manners in life
So what?
ICYMI – Manner is defined as the “mode of action; way of performing or doing anything” and is the characteristic of how you act and behave. Being good mannered is the foundation to success in all aspects of life as you can benefit from good manners as a child and as an adult.
Betterment of society
Thoughtful and mindful behaviours towards others warm up and cultivate their hearts and feelings. Imagine all the ways that you can practice good manners towards those around you. Picking up something that a stranger dropped at the shops, holding the door open for the person behind you, smiling at the stranger crossing your paths, saying hello to the couple walking in the opposite direction and having small talks with the cashier at the shops. You never know how your small interactions might end up impacting their day. And it’s a great way for others to rub off on your positivity and kindness.
Reciprocity
Having good manners is not about expecting others to reciprocate your behaviours. However, it’s an important aspect of having good manners. We all know the pay it forward movement that once gone viral at some point in the past. For those that haven’t heard of it, it’s a concept where by “the beneficiary of a good deed [repays] the kindness to others instead of to the original benefactor”. For example, you pay for the order of the car behind you at the drive through and the driver in that car pays for the meal of the order of the car behind them. People are much more willing to share when we share with them and are likely to serve others when we service them. When others are nice to us, it’s easier to be nice to them. Whilst we shouldn’t be motivated by reciprocity of good manners, it certainly is an advantage that we all can enjoy.
My experience
Whilst I can’t know for certain what impact my good manners may have had on society, I’m a firm believer that we should be nice to everyone. Or don’t be rude at the very least. We live once and our time here on earth is short lived. We have a finite time so why waste it by ruining people’s day. One small gesture can make or break someone’s day. And how they go about with their life will be reciprocated by others they encounter. Why not have it start with you on a positive note?
What now?
- Do you often do good deeds for others? How does it make you feel?
- How do good deeds done to you make you feel?
- Being good mannered and showing mindfulness towards others can only have a positive outcome that we all can enjoy.