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.
Relationships
Would you rather be friends with someone that is selfish, obnoxious, rude and who smacks when they eat or someone that is nice, mindful, courteous and who smiles when they see you? We are naturally attracted to people who are the latter type. When you’re well-mannered, you are more likely to have better relationships as you will attract more people in your life. And future employers will rather hire you than ill-mannered candidates. As superficial it sounds, displaying these qualities make you attractive and approachable which opens up to positive interactions and relationships.
Feeling good
We all have days that we feel unloved, invisible or uncared for as well as when it’s just “not your day”. You’re running late, so clumsy that you spill coffee on your shirt, forget your keys or trip over yourself. When we are having one of those days, how much better would you feel if someone takes the time to ask you if you’re okay, brings you serviettes, spend a few moments to have a friendly chat with you or give way so you can park your car in a busy car park. When you’re good mannered, not only it makes those around you feel good but makes you feel good as well. Knowing that you acknowledged their presence and difficulties puts you in a positive mindset that fuel you throughout your day.
My experience
I don’t have many friends and my social circle is very small. You can say that I’m very picky with who I associate myself with. Attempting to surround myself with people who are good-mannered has been the filter for me that I use to weed out people that are not worth either of our time and effort in developing relationships. Through the years, I’ve learned that ill-mannered people generally are not people that I can safely have long-term relationships with. Whether it be at a personal or professional level, good-mannered people are much easier and fun to get along with.
What now?
- Do you have any ill-mannered friends or acquaintances in your life? How do they make you feel?
- When you are having one of those days, has anyone done something nice to you that changed the course of the rest of the day?