Social Graces.. or, Thanks for the Kindness

I have a compulsive love of etiquette books. Vintage etiquette books hold almost as much appeal, if not more, than modern guides. I am fascinated that modern etiquette books are actually willing to tackle such hot-button topics as cell phone etiquette, how to send proper emails and thank you notes (which I had assumed had all but vanished completely). Why the love?

I think our modern culture has given up the concept of etiquette in exchange for more, faster, louder, NOW! Etiquette books, both modern and vintage remind me that good manners take time. Sometimes that time is forethought and some of that is afterthought. I have to take time to go outside to take a call on my mobile phone. I have to remember to turn my phone off before going out for the evening with friends. I have to remember to send a thank you card for a gift or thoughtful gesture. I have to remember to recognize a birthday or anniversary.

I believe that good manners and etiquette is a form of respect. I respect you, a complete stranger, enough to wait a moment to hold the door for you. I hope that you, in turn, will respect me, a complete stranger enough to catch the elevator door for me, take your mobile call quickly and quietly and offer me a little elbow room on a crowded bus or train. Kindness and respect make me glad I live on this planet.

In honor of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for good manners and the kindness of strangers. Hope you have a joyous, kind and generous holiday.

(Image from Art Deco Blog)

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