We all do.
A word popped into my head this morning as I was driving to the office.
“Polite company.” Hmmm, now that is a thought.
To have a company characterized by courtesy is one way to think of it, but that is not it:
Polite company in former centuries referred to rules of behavior in a formal setting with people you might not know very well. (Thus, you might be on your best and quiet behavior).
In a negative light you might refer to people who consider themselves to be upper class, refined or cultured as “Polite Society. The standards of behavior are clear to the people attending and there may not be a mix of cultures. People know the manners of their group and observe them.
We don’t usually dine in formal settings much anymore, but the rules still apply and today’s table settings are inventive and beautiful.
An example of manners would be to say “please” and “thank you” in the exchange of goods, and when reaching or standing in front of someone to say “pardon me” or “excuse me”.
But let’s go a little deeper.
Someone who is truly polite shows consideration for others by his/her behavior. It is internal; it just comes out. Words to describe a polite person:
1.Pleasant
2.Civil
3.Refined
4.Well Mannered
5.Courteous
6.Kindly
7.Conciliatory
8.Chivalrous
9.Gracious
10.Cordial
Bottom Line: How you feel about yourself and others will be expressed in your behavior.
“Please pass the salt” and “May I offer you some more___” are ways of showing you care.
What NOT to do:
1.hold the knife and fork like a caveman
2.Interrupt people speaking
3.Chew with your mouth open
4.Burp at the table
5.Lick your fingers or the knife
6.Eat from others’ plates
7.Step in front of a person in line
8.texting or accepting phone calls at the table
9.put your elbows on the table before the meal is finished.
10.Put your used utensils on the tablecloth
Don’t leave without speaking to the host/hostess and thanking them.
One last thought: Politeness after Rudeness doesn’t cancel out the Rudeness.