"We never touch others so lightly that we do not leave a trace behind."--Peggy Tabor Millin
I heard this quote on a television show about manners and civility. In today's world, where many electronic devices begin with the letter "I," where we expect immediate gratification, where we have little patience for any kind of delay, manners and civility have taken a backseat to expediency and self-interest.
And isn't that sad?
Your mother was right: manners count. Good manners help our society run more smoothly while bad manners leave those on the receiving end feeling angry, resentful, and hurt.
Taking time for the "small" things affects not only the people with whom we come in contact; it also affects our own well-being. When we know we have been in the wrong, our stress levels rise, causing spikes in blood pressure and heart rate.
Will good manners fix all that's wrong with our world? Probably not. But they will go a long way to smoothing out the rough edges of lives that are too often rushed and out-of-control.
Joy for today: leaving behind a trace of respect and happiness.
Ahh, if only everyone would be so considerate and respectful. This world truly would be a happier place.
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