Good Manners

I can remember when I was living in Jamaica, we always taught our students to say good morning to the teacher and their classmates when they came to school. This little girl was always late, although she lived only two houses away from the school. She came to school late as usual, stepped past everyone, put down her lunch kit then went right to her seat. I said to her, “Did you forget something”? “Oh, sorry teacher. Good morning teacher and classmates”. Everyone politely responded and it created a positive atmosphere for the rest of the day. It is always important to have good manners.

Good manners are not just being a “nice” person. Good manners also include behavior, courtesy, attitude, discipline, and grooming. Manners reflect directly on a person’s upbringing. Good manners are based on consideration of others as well as diplomacy and hospitably.

Let’s talk about table manners. For example, the phrase “elbows off the table”.  Why?  It is because it doesn’t allow enough room for the person who is sitting next to you. Also, eating with your mouth closed, not talking with food in your mouth, covering your mouth when you cough and also when you yawn are all polite behaviors, but are also practical. Closing and covering your mouth shows consideration for others, but also reduces the spread of germs.

Good manners in the work place are also required. You should be friendly, cheerful, and have a positive attitude towards your co-workers. If you show respect to others, they will be more likely to show you respect in return.