*) Good Manners

Good manners are not born  with us;they have to be  learnt.If a child were not taught how to behave respectfully,he would grow up rough and rude like a savage.The only difference between a cultured man is that the former is educated and knows good manners,while the latter is illiterate and behaves like a rude man in society.

  The standards and ideals of good manners differ in different countries,for different nations have different customs.In India it is considered rude if the guests leave their host until he has given them permission to do so,but in England it is considered rude if a host asks his guests to go after the entertainment.In England,it is considered a mark of respect to take one’s hat off in  a church   or in another person’s house or when one meets one’s acquaintance in the street;but in India good manners require that one should keep one’s head-wear on.In India,among rural at any rate,it is looked upon as bad manners if a young woman passes by them without a veil on her face;but in England, a veiled woman will be laughed at by the people.

       What are good manners?The first principle that underlies good manners is that we should have and show consideration for the feelings of others.Good manners are the ornaments of a gentleman;and a real gentleman will never try to hurt the feelings of others.He will not say things that will hurt others;he will not speak in a rude way to offend them;he will never do things that they do not like.He will ever try to make everyone feel at his ease.He will care for the convenience,comfort, and happiness of others more than for his own.He will show proper respect for those who are superior to him.He will never try to be disrespectful to anyone.

     Good manners are really a form of unselfishness.No selfish and conceited person ever possessed good manners.He who always wants to have his own way and seeks his own comfort,cannot be said to possess good manners.He may appear outwardly polite,but he will not have good manners in him.

       Good manners are necessary for success and popularity in life.Those who are selfish,vain,rude and rough,are never liked by people;they are disliked,or even hated.Such persons can hardly ever win popularity.generally only those who are polite,gentle and courteous become popular.We very well know what difference all this makes in business.A rude businessman or shopkeeper soon loses his customers;a polite one attracts them.