How important are manners?

I think that manners, which to me are the daily application of kindness and compassion, are the like the grease that helps move the wheels of society. It takes such little effort to display and encourage manners. I am amazed at the lack of simple courtesy some people display. So YES Madame, manners are important! Thank you!

by You Lucky Dog

Great answer.

Great answer. How many times does it have to be said that manners cost nothing? These days you are more likely to hear eff you than thank you. You are so right about manners being an application of kindness and compassion.

I think manners are very important. There is such a lack of it these days. People just seem to selfishly think about themselves and not take others into consideration - playing music loud in public, feet on the seats, swearing, and not bothering to say thank you when you step aside to let them pass. These little things are very important, not only to make people feel happier, but also to create a tolerant society.

by Bryony Harrison

Absolutely!

Very important - and the need to be instilled into children from a young age. Just start with making them say please and thank you and go from there. I don't have children but I'm pleased that all my nieces and nephews and friends children were all taught good manners when they were young.

by Therese B

I think manners are essential in today's society and they do stand you apart from those that don't use them. I believe that its important to start learning manners early and if parents want their kids to have good manners then they need to walk the talk and be the best possible role model of good manners for their children. When I interview people for a job, or even when I meet new people in a social setting, whether or not someone has manners is something I happen to pick up on. Everyone deserves to be treated with good manners and if someone is rude to me, I take great pleasure in being the better person and showing them up with better manners than they have.

by helenonthesofa

Yes I think they are important. How you conduct yourself and how you treat others will have a big impact on how far you get in life. A simple "please", "thank you" or a smile will ensure others treat you with respect.

by Ivana Katz

I feel manners are very important and the earlier in life they get imbibed the better.

by Smita

Well if we had no manners, it would be hell on Earth I think.

Could you imagine,no Thank you, no polite speech, doors slamming in the faces of old ladies.
Old people standing up on trains and buses.Everyone looking out for number one.
Manners are one of the actions that make life pleasant.
Yet sadly they seem to be depleting, as each decade go's by.I have always thought that ''Manners maketh the man''.
I believe manners should be taught in the home and schools, what a wonderful world it would be if everyone had them.

by jonaja

They're everything. Simple courtesies such as please and thank you...

by Justine Crowley

Very important. It makes life much more pleasant. I am also bringing up 2 little girls who I imagine would be more welcome in people's homes etc with manners.

Leonie

by leoni

Manners do make a difference. It demonstrates self respect and respect for others. It also demonstrates an awareness of your potential impact on those around you. You can make somebody smile or you can make them frown, the choice is yours.

by Shelley Murphy

Manners are important and set people apart in my book. If you don't have them, life is much harder.

Manners go a long way to helping people like you.

by Matteo Lor

I believe it is very important.
Manners are something used every day to make a good impression on others and to feel good about oneself. No matter where you are - at home, work, or with friends - practicing good manners is important.If you practice good manners, you are showing those around you that you are considerate of their feelings and respectful. You are also setting standards for others' behavior and encouraging them to treat you with similar respect

by Zen

I think having manners, like saying thank you and please, shows gratitude. I do think expressing gratitude to others and the world around us helps one to be a better person.

by Aleigha

by bellabirth

Such a simple gesture but so many people do not use any manners let alone good manners. I appreciate small things people do and I do for others so acknowledging that make it all worth while. The difference between someone bumping into you and apologising and one not saying sorry makes us feel the extremes.

by brigi

Yes, I think they do. I think good manners and courtesy are very important. I think you should always treat people as you would wish to be treated. I think if manners are instilled when young it remains an automatic behaviour as you reach adulthood.

by norma

Can't believe how many "thinks" I have put in this reply!

Very important. When one meets a person who is well mannered it is refreshing - this particularly applies to children. Learning good manners is also learning respect.

by sjcmm

No manners=CHAOS!

People who are ignorant, & bad mannered annoy me to the nth degree!

Having good manners is no 'weight' to carry!

by donjo

Great answer. How many times does it have to be said that manners cost nothing? These days you are more likely to hear eff you than thank you. You are so right about manners being an application of kindness and compassion.

by Rice

Bother. That was supposed to go as a reply to You Lucky Dog. I have placed there now. Anyway, long may our good manners reign.

Yes they are, and a vote to every answer here, one is not enough and everyone is so correct.

Unfortunately the concept is sadly missing so much in recent generations.

Next time you are at Coles or Shell etc, when they ask for the money, and as usual when they do not say 'please', reply instantly to them 'PLEASE' as a question. Half the time they will ignore the hint, either not understanding the hint, or stand firm denying the correction, and the other half you will get an argument. Customer service is so lacking these days, all because of a lack of manners.

Oh, excuse me please, I sincerly apologise for any mistake I may have just made. Thank you so much.

by Doctor Dave