Louisiana, Are Some Manners Just Outdated and a Thing of the Past

I don't know what the cause is, but I do know that it seems like some things that most people growing up considered, "good manners" are things that have fallen out of practice, at least for some people.

If you were in the crowd of people in the picture above, you wouldn't just keep pushing through the crowd by force if you were trying to get to the front of the group.

I am not by any means a "fancy person", but I was lucky enough to grow up with parents who taught me basic manners. That's not to say I remember or even want to practice good manners in each situation.

I'm human. I make mistakes. However, I have noticed that often we, as a people, seem to be less caring of each other. It's like we forgot or don't care to use our manners. I only use my manners to try to make other people comfortable. I want them to know I respect them.

Does Anyone Say "Excuse Me" Anymore?

I rarely find that people use the simple small phrase, "Excuse Me" if they want to move past you. People usually just give you a dirty look. It's jarring. If I can't see you when you are approaching me, then how do I even know to move out of the way? Isn't that what the phrase, "Excuse Me" is for? It's to notify someone that you need to pass, and you are letting them know that.

Candacesmithetiquette.com suggests that the phrase "Excuse me" should be used when you are trying to get past someone in public or when you are getting up from a table. There are many ways in which it is appropriate to use the phrase.

The website also makes a great point. Watch the tone you use when saying the phrase, "Excuse me". If you have a touch of sarcasm or confrontation in your tone, it's not going to come off well to the person you are speaking with. Don't offend someone.

Does Anyone say, "Please" Anymore?

I am embarrassed to write this, but I am one of the offenders. I have noticed I forget to say, "Please" quite often. It's something I want to change.

I am not intentionally being rude, but I think our lives are so busy now, and often instead of nicely asking for something that we want and saying, "Please" at the end or beginning of our request, we just ask for what we want and expect it.

Yuck! I've got to do better at saying, "Please". Do you also find yourself forgetting to use the word, please? According to Walker Mimms' article in "The Atlantic", the word please has almost become terse, like a command to do something.

I think the point of the article, including the history of the origin of the word please, is to explain context and tone can really impact how someone reacts to a word. The author also points out that the English language is always evolving.

At least we don't follow strict etiquette rules like in the past:

What do you think about all of this? Do you say, "Excuse me" and "Please"? Do you forget? Is it a big deal?