Etiquette in the modern age

If you read the newspaper or watch the news and current affairs programs on television, chances are you have some sort of opinion when it comes to good manners and etiquette.  And if you’re anything like me, you probably ask yourself the question, “Where have good manners and etiquette gone?”

I’ve lost count of media mentions about the supposed death of chivalry, non-existent customer service and rude people.  Watch current affairs programs for a week and you’ll probably have seen at least one or two segments focusing on such issues.

So the question is: what’s happened to etiquette and good manners these days?

I know plenty of people who work in retail and other customer service roles who say that people just don’t seem to use good manners much at all these days.  People seem quick to complain about things, without even using easy words such as please and thank you.  I’ve also experienced bad service in shops, restaurants and hotels and been left astounded.

Even when you walk about town or catch public transport, you’ll see most people just don’t even smile at others anymore.

The answer to the question of where good manners and etiquette have gone seems to be a lack of time.  People are just too busy these days.  Often they are stressed, they are overworked and they are tired.  There’s also the influence of technology and people not connecting in person as much anymore, which has had an impact on the way people interact with one another.  People just seem to neglect manners and etiquette when sending a text message or email.

As valid as this situation may be, here at Lulu and I, we believe that good manners and etiquette are part of the service.

We strive to keep good manners and etiquette alive…and you can too!

It really is as easy as putting a smile on your face every time you step outside or even answer the phone.  The world isn’t getting any slower, and if anything, people are filling their waking hours with more and more potentially stressful things.

So, try and keep manners and etiquette alive with us today!  Start smiling and remember that every person you deal with is just that: a person.  Every smile has the potential to brighten another person’s day and there really is such a thing as a ripple effect. 

Smile at somebody, treat them well with friendly and genuine, “Hello, how are you going?”, thank people for their kindness and good service and always ask for something in a friendly way with a please.  You’d be amazed at how effective those little things alone can be at brightening the day of another person.

Try it today!  If we all do it, the world really would be a better and happier place!