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From the lens Manners Maketh Man.

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  • Margaret_Schaut Mar 17, 2012 @ 9:35 am | delete
    Interesting how the decline of economies and cultures followed the decline of manners, respect and courtesy. Wonder if there is any connection.
  • TheLifestyleChanger Mar 11, 2012 @ 3:29 am | delete
    Blessed! I despair at the lack of manners, respect, standards and plain niceties in life.
  • Vallygems1 Jan 6, 2012 @ 9:17 am | delete
    Great one a topic after my own heart to. Always brag that I got 98% in my Officer and a Gentleman course during Officer Training . Wont go into detail how. lol thanks
  • Vallygems1 Jan 6, 2012 @ 9:17 am | delete
    Great one a topic after my own heart to. Always brag that I got 98% in my Officer and a Gentleman course during Officer Training . Wont go into detail how. lol thanks
  • anne_mohanraj Nov 15, 2011 @ 10:04 am | delete
    Topic after my own heart! A wonderful lens!
  • DavidDove Sep 10, 2011 @ 11:40 am | delete
    Manners are essential and it is therefore equally essential that each generation instructs the next in their use, it takes some courage to do so sometimes but the world becomes a better place in some small way because of it. Thank you for making the point for all of us who still believe.
  • sousababy Aug 13, 2011 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    I love honesty, guts and speaking out. I suppose manners don't always factor into my equation (but I'll keep trying). Great discussion Spook.
  • Pastiche Aug 10, 2011 @ 10:09 am | delete
    I was raised with manners - Dad was stickler about it. Hubby was also raised to respect others, too. He opens doors for me ... I like that.
  • vbright105 Aug 8, 2011 @ 1:24 pm | delete
    I too was raised with manners. As an adult, I spent time working in a certain area of the city and gained the habit of always saying "Ma'am, and Sir" Although I am considered somewhat of an elder myself (some younger people took exception to my saying this), it is a matter of manners. Chivalry may be dead, but women killed it with the women's movement. I love it when a gentleman stands as I enter the room, or opens a car door for me. This was a great read, thanks Spook!
  • Spook Aug 8, 2011 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    I fail to see the reason why they took exception to this? I'm inclined to agree with you with the women's movement. How sad. So glad to hear that there are still people who think alike.
  • caroline Jul 29, 2011 @ 6:25 pm | delete
    so heartening to see that in this group at least manners are alive and well. We never have to lower our standards to get down to the lowest common denominator which I am afraid is where a lot of the world is going. I do blame most of societies ills on the fact that so many children never see their working parents who could have taught them all these skills had they been at home like our parents were. We didnt have to have everything that opens and shuts in the first years of marriage, we saved and each item was precious when achieved. Lets go back to stay at home mums and get some basics re established. Things are not important but basics of life are.
  • Spook Aug 8, 2011 @ 11:59 am | delete
    Very interesting comment and point of view and thank you.
  • Ayers4christ May 9, 2011 @ 6:17 pm | delete
    I love this lens! As a mother and public school teacher, I believe that instilling manners in children (the younger the better!) is very important as a way of demonstrating respect for others.
  • Spook May 9, 2011 @ 6:32 pm | delete
    Couldn't agree with you more and thank you for your visit and comment.
  • Helenee Mar 19, 2011 @ 2:33 am | delete
    A "good morning" said with a bright smile does brighten the day. After all, I believe it also has an effect on the person saying it.
    Anyway, some things are much more than good manners. I mean, I've been many times on a bus and saw young people, men, just anybody, sit indifferently, while a p-r-e-g-n-a-n-t woman stood in front of them, too timid to ask for a seat. Perhaps I am too interfering, but I DO stand for these women and I publicly ask for someone to get up and offer his/her seat (when I myself don't have a seat to offer, of course).
    I don't hesitate to remind people what I expect of them. For example, if I give sthg or do sthg for someone and (s)he doesn't thank me, I always answer "you're welcome." Sometimes they feel ashamed and say "thank you," sometimes they stare at me like I'm crazy. Doesn't matter - I do it anyway. Is this too pushy of me, perhaps?
  • Spook Mar 19, 2011 @ 5:54 am | delete
    Good for you and I agree.
  • poddys Mar 17, 2011 @ 5:06 pm | delete
    I just came back to Bless this very important lens, and I hope that many more people read it and digest it's message.
  • Spook Mar 18, 2011 @ 10:28 am | delete
    Thank you Tony for the blessing, love those. For the second part of your message, I highly doubt it?
  • Jewelsofawe Mar 11, 2011 @ 4:39 pm | delete
    I love good manners for sure! I used to have my kids watch Barney and learn to say please and thank you and even now all I have to say to them is: What do you say? They know this means say thank you. Manners are so important! Blessing this important lens!
  • Spook Mar 11, 2011 @ 5:03 pm | delete
    Oh, 'when Irish eyes are smiling, sure the whole world smiles with you' and thank you.
  • ThomasKelleyJr Mar 10, 2011 @ 5:34 pm | delete
    Spook, this is a well written piece on a very important subject. Yes, manners do count!! Just think what a wonderful world we could all live in if everyone had learned and did practice good manners!! And by the way, manners travel on a two way street, good manners are not restricted to just males. A pleasant smile is a great universal beginning anywhere.
  • Spook Mar 11, 2011 @ 4:16 pm | delete
    Never thought of it that way before Thomas, about the smile. Agree with you.
  • sittonbull Mar 10, 2011 @ 3:50 pm | delete
    Great Lens to revisit Spook! You don't have to have manners to be famous... but real class cannot be claimed by those who disrespect good manners! Manners denote r-e-s--p-e-c-t for others as well as self-respect!
  • Spook Mar 10, 2011 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    Always such a pleasure to hear from you John and I couldn't agree with you more.
  • bakerwoman Mar 10, 2011 @ 1:11 pm | delete
    What a great lens I can relate to. My father was a very particular about our manners. He expects all the children to say Good Morning when we wake up and Good Night when we retire for the evening. He became offended if I forgot to make the proper greeting.
    I am all for chivalry but in this day and age, not too many a man will pull a chair for a woman or open the door. I am totally amazed when someone does.
  • Spook Mar 10, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    I'm inclined to agree with your Dad.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Jan 19, 2011 @ 6:58 am | delete
    Manners matter
  • Ladymermaid Jan 12, 2011 @ 8:37 am | delete
    Best wishes for a wonderful New Year Spook.
  • Mujjen Jan 7, 2011 @ 2:55 am | delete
    I really enjoyed this lens! In Rome it is still common to say hello when you walk into a shop or even the doctor's office. I really like that.
  • ohcaroline Jan 5, 2011 @ 9:56 pm | delete
    Manners adds virtue to your being. Great lessons here for everyone.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Jan 2, 2011 @ 2:31 pm | delete
    I believe we have to lead by example, you know, do unto others...
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Jan 2, 2011 @ 2:31 pm | delete
    I believe we have to lead by example, you know, do unto others...
  • genglo Dec 31, 2010 @ 3:04 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens! Have a very happy new year!
  • Margaret_Schaut Dec 24, 2010 @ 10:29 am | delete
    I enjoyed your page very much!
  • GrowWear Dec 23, 2010 @ 10:13 pm | delete
    Dropping in to wish you happy holidays and a new year filled with abundance and love.
  • snazzy Dec 22, 2010 @ 7:22 pm | delete
    What constitutes good manners can be different with different cultures too:-)
  • gypsyman27 Dec 21, 2010 @ 7:40 pm | delete
    In our rush to 'get it done' manners are too often forgotten. Thanks for the reminder, see you around the galaxy...
  • vallain Dec 19, 2010 @ 8:31 am | delete
    I find people very self-centered today, but some will still offer their seat on a bus to an elderly person. Too bad that it is such a small percentage that remember such courtesies and consideration of others.
  • Michey Dec 10, 2010 @ 8:29 am | delete
    This is a great lens, manners count, they are the mirror of the person, and can make or fail your social like.
    Spook I am so glad that you create this lens, I stretch my wings to Bless your lens.
    Regards
    Michey
  • Tipi Dec 6, 2010 @ 9:59 am | delete
    Spook, my friend, you have just impressed me beyond what I can say! Those of us in the "fairer sex" certainly appreciated true gentlemanliness. A wave or a greeting can make a day brighter, it's like bringing a little sunshine. Your Dad had some great wisdom about the responsibilities of position. I always refer to my parents as being like Ozzie and Harriet, they didn't argue in front of us kids. I didn't know what a blessing that was until I left home and heard the stories of others. This is a masterpiece, thank you for sharing from the heart!
  • LisaAuch Dec 4, 2010 @ 3:38 pm | delete
    manners are fast dying, i am lucky and still live in a village where people will say "good morning" etc...so i feel quite lucky and have a daughter who knows her stuff too, there really should be more of it! as usual a fantastic topic!
  • SukoMiabals Dec 3, 2010 @ 8:10 pm | delete
    Courtesy can make a smile out of a frown and turn an unpleasant start into a very nice finish. Thank you for the reminder.
  • livingfrontiers Dec 2, 2010 @ 10:24 am | delete
    Thank you for reminding us all to take time and be kind for one another...
  • sandyspider Dec 2, 2010 @ 10:03 am | delete
    C~an't agree with you more on good manners and kindness. Too little of it these days.
  • nightcats Nov 30, 2010 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    Your lens is remarkable. Thank you for doing what you can to encourage mannerliness and kindness.
  • AndyPo Nov 30, 2010 @ 4:49 am | delete
    Good manners certainly make a good impression and can make people feel more positive. The HR department at a company I used to work for sent us all on a course in manners to improve morale (and presumably profitability of the company). It didn't entirely work. In England when greeted with "Hello. How are you?" most people responded with "Mustn't grumble" or "Not too bad under the circumstances..." and we were told that we should always respond with "GREAT! how are you?" (while punching the air or a high-five etc.) unfortunately no one took the course entirely seriously and manners and morale did not improve. Maybe it takes more than a memo from HR to change peoples' ways?
  • SereneSea Nov 23, 2010 @ 7:07 am | delete
    I cannot agree with you more. Polished manners, sincere greetings makes a positive image one time and all the time henceforth.
  • poddys Nov 11, 2010 @ 3:47 am | delete
    Excellent lens my friend, and on a subject that everyone should be taught, beginning with their parents. There is far too little respect these days in the world.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Nov 6, 2010 @ 9:48 am | delete
    Lines lens, thumbs up. Manners are important, but never forget character!
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Nov 6, 2010 @ 9:48 am | delete
    Nice lens, too many people forget about manners. Of course, they are nothing without character.
  • KathyMcGraw Nov 3, 2010 @ 5:32 pm | delete
    This is great....not that people forgot how to use manners, but that you spoke of it! I try all th time to teach my grandkids the right things to say and do, and I will say that most of the time they are pretty good. Not always, but for their ages I would say they are "mostly" well mannered.
  • HomeDecoratingDiva Oct 17, 2010 @ 7:35 pm | delete
    Great lens! Manners are very important!
  • alteredkat Oct 15, 2010 @ 12:31 pm | delete
    great lens...I couldn't agree more...one of my pet peeves is when in a shopping aisle and someone crosses your line of vision, not saying "excuse me". Sadly, manners are becoming a thing of the past...it's all about entitlement now. Blessed and featured here: http://www.squidoo.com/100-blessings
  • pkmcr Sep 12, 2010 @ 1:40 pm | delete
    Good Manners for me simply denote a respect for other people and should be practised regardless of station in life. Blessed by a Squid Angel :-)
  • Spook Sep 15, 2010 @ 7:25 am | delete
    Thank you Paul and I appreciate it.
  • Momtothezoo Jun 3, 2010 @ 12:01 pm | delete
    This is wonderful and so well said...I am from South Carolina and this was instilled into my head as well...I would never have considered breaking these rules with my parents or later in life myself. I still talk to everyone I meet and you'd be surprised at how many times a frown is turned into a smile in a matter of minutes. Thank you so much for sharing this lens with me! Such a great lesson in right and wrong!!!
  • puzzlemaker May 31, 2010 @ 6:41 am | delete
    I have a similar story to yours Spook - the one about the waving incident. My grandfather once completely ignored us 2 kids UNTIL we added "sir" in our comment to him. We were so confused! We continued to repeat the sentence over and over...moving closer and closer to him. Surely he did not hear us :-). Then finally one of us (I don't rememeber who) added "sir" and he immediately looked up and grinned. I will never forget it. I enjoyed reading your lens and I will have my daughter read it when she wakes up this morning.
  • Write Apr 23, 2010 @ 6:12 am | delete
    A lens of value. Beautiful.
  • BigGirlBlue Mar 21, 2010 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    One of my biggest manner peeves is with customer service specifically when I buy something and the cashier/attendant hands me my change/receipt and says "there you go". It totally annoys me. Or when I say thank you and they say "ok". When someone says "thank you" the proper response in this environment is "you're welcome". And when they hand me my receipt they should be saying "thank you".
  • skiesgreen Mar 9, 2010 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    Thank you for this remarkable lens. Great pics as usual and interesting topic. Thanks for doing it. Although it may seem unrelated I am lensrollit to and featuring it on Plastic is Death because it is part of thinking about our effect on others. Top marks

    Norma
  • poutine Feb 20, 2010 @ 4:48 pm | delete
    Excellent lens and so well presented.

    Poutine
  • Kangaroo_Jase Feb 13, 2010 @ 4:50 pm | delete
    I have had use of manners all my life and your quote on Winston Churchill is priceless, even with no one else agreeing, or replying in kind....never, never, never, never give up or fail to use common sense. Great great lens.
  • Joan4 Jan 22, 2010 @ 8:59 am | delete
    Excellent discussion and so very important. We all need to spend more time teaching our children and being a good example of excellent manners!
  • arncyn Jan 15, 2010 @ 8:11 am | delete
    It's indeed unfortunate that people these days, the young especially, do not exercise good manners like it was taught to us in the old days. It's appalling how some people don't even say thank you once you've done them a favor! Your fantastic, engaging lens makes me think that all is not lost though because it is now up to us to teach the kids these very simple lessons in honor and chivalry. *blessed by an angel*
  • OhMe Dec 31, 2009 @ 6:19 pm | delete
    Just had to pop back in this great lens and give you a blessing before my wings expire! Happy New Year!
  • oztoo Oct 19, 2009 @ 6:13 am | delete
    Thank you so much for this great lens. It is indeed sad that people seem to have forgotten or are not taught simple good manners. It seems the days of honor and chivalry are gone. In this busy world I think people are so engrossed in their own needs they forget about those simple courtesies.
  • _Joan_ Oct 12, 2009 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Excellent topic for a lens.
  • HorseAndPony Sep 8, 2009 @ 1:43 pm | delete
    Wow. Another great lens. Your collection of lenses are amazing.
  • GrowWear Aug 4, 2009 @ 11:29 pm | delete
    Very nice lens, Spook. It is such a rude world these days... ...Lets keep teaching our young.
  • dc64 Jun 9, 2009 @ 3:33 pm | delete
    Such a well written lens, and you kept me engatged from the first word to the last. You have a gift for putting your thoughts in words, and the topic of manners is a subject that needs to be brought to the surface. Why people no longer practice this, or even the slightest courtesy is beyond me. I personally feel better when I am polite, even if it is not returned. It is discouraging that people today seem to think rudeness makes them more important.
  • papawu May 23, 2009 @ 1:47 am | delete
    It takes so little effort to show respect and proper manners, but it seems to be a dying lesson among the young people of today. I believe in chivalry and cordiality and think it would just be wonderful if more people practiced it.
  • StephenC May 13, 2009 @ 9:57 am | delete
    Politeness counts. Manners are not old fashioned. Good lens!
  • mukunda22 May 10, 2009 @ 6:33 am | delete
    Yes manners are a beautiful thing, yet lost by so many in this modern age. Yet have you ever noticed how those with poor manners respond magnetically to good manners??

    I believe we can teach by example!!
  • spirituality May 7, 2009 @ 2:00 pm | delete
    Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
  • sittonbull Apr 29, 2009 @ 11:39 pm | delete
    Sounds like we were "raised" with a similar background! I believe manners do not come naturally to young men and women, but must be taught in the home! They were drilled into me from day one and woe be unto me if I didn't exhibit them! As I grew and matured I began to recognize that most of the men and women of my generation were taught good manners... and continued to display them, but succeeding generations... not as much! I'm proud that our children are continuing the tradition of displaying good manners... which in my book is an excellent indication of respect and good judgement!
  • OhMe Apr 29, 2009 @ 8:44 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens. I agree with you 100 percent. I can't stand the "huh" answer either. This is really great!
  • tandemonimom Apr 25, 2009 @ 7:05 pm | delete
    A good reminder! Thanks!
  • Jimmie Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:49 am | delete
    Manners are on the downslide for sure. It's interesting to me that even though you've lived in various cultures, your perception of manners and civility has remained. I agree with you. Although some things are cultural, greeting people is a minimum of kindness no matter where you are on the planet. I live in probably one of the rudest cultures on earth -- China. I am sure that it didn't used to be this way. But various modern changes have made people into the surly faces that you mention on this lens. People rarely say "excuse me" or "thank you" or show politeness to strangers. It's so very sad.
  • Snozzle Feb 23, 2009 @ 11:19 am | delete
    Just today I stepped off the pavement for a youngish girl with a pram to pass by. Not a word or a smile or a thank you from her lips - just a glare. It doesn't take much to smile and say thanks. There must be a lot of unhappy, angry people about. Interesting lens.
    Mike.
  • aj2008 Jan 15, 2009 @ 9:54 am | delete
    Nice lens Spook. Lensrolled to my "etiquette" lens.
  • chefkeem Dec 11, 2008 @ 9:15 am | delete
    Splendid page! Interestingly enough, it reminded me very much of my upbringing in Germany during the 50's. My parents taught me the same things as your folks taught you. 5*s and a hearty SquidAngel Blessing! :)
  • mistyblue75605 Dec 4, 2008 @ 10:44 pm | delete
    Nicely done! Well laid out!
  • oneskms Nov 28, 2008 @ 3:13 am | delete
    Just found this and thought how apt
    "Be kinder than necessary 'cause everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle"
  • oneskms Nov 27, 2008 @ 12:43 am | delete
    Great lens, I fully agree, if only half of all 'modern' people could read this and make small changes society would become a better place. Only the other night while stood in asda I was behind a woman who basically threw her shopping at the cashier without a word and it was terrible, now we can all have a bad day but a simple hello or thank you and a change in mannerisms - ie place the shopping on the counter - and that whole situation would have taken a different look. I think some problems arise from people today being selfish, too many expect too much at the sake of others. Without sounding morbid the saying goes 'we all end up in the same place, treat others as you expect to be treated yourself' - I'm sure if we all considered this we wouldn,t be so ignorant, it doesn't take a lot to say hello or thank you even on a bad day
  • Jenysie Nov 24, 2008 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens, you are so correct there aren't many men that still practice chivalry! My husband does mostly, and I find it so comforting. It reminds me that he cares enough to notice. Like when we go places he opens the door for me, and if there is only one chair he lets me sit while he stands. We are both 22, however he was raised very well!
    I wish that there were more men who acted like that, especially when my daughter is old enough to date and marries, I hope that she gets that little luxury!
    Thank you for the article, well written, and love the subject!!
    5* and favorite(d)
    Sincerely,
    Jenysie
  • Jesi Nov 23, 2008 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    Well mannered lens, I learnt much manners for being an atticates speaking guy.
    Thanks for such a teaching lens... visit me here Real Estate Facts - Dubai Real Estates
  • Spook Nov 21, 2008 @ 9:05 am | in reply to RufusQuail | delete
    Hiya Rufus, actually I saw that earlier when I was reading your lens, sure gives you pause for thought.
  • Nov 21, 2008 @ 8:59 am | delete
    Here is a recent true story of noble honesty: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/blog/devil_ball_golf/post/J-P-Hayes-is-as-honest-as-we-like-to-think-we-a?urn=golf,123304
  • Spook Nov 16, 2008 @ 3:51 am | in reply to TheWhistler | delete
    Thank you so much for your comments, I really appreciate them. So sorry that I never left my choice but stupidly thought I had done so in the lens. Because you care my answer is" Yes without a shadow of a doubt."
  • TheWhistler Nov 15, 2008 @ 4:56 pm | delete
    A good lens, its time has come.

    Thanks.

by

Spook

I'm Kevin alias Spook.I was brought up in a different era to today's times and I often have a nostalgia for those times and love to write about it he... more »

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