The Pleasure of Everyday Manners

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My recent hotel stay was unexpectedly uplifting. The guests I shared common spaces with were polite individuals who acknowledged those around them and seemed aware of how their actions affected others. It was undoubtedly by chance that seemingly like-minded people decided to stay at this particular establishment at the same time as I did. It surely made for a delightful experience for me, and I hope for everyone else.

Let me share how a family of four I interacted with brightened up my hotel stay simply by being themselves.

As I sat in the hotel restaurant on the second day of my stay, I observed the mother with her three children ranging from just under a year old to twelve, displaying impeccable manners throughout the meal. Not only were they polite to each other as they chatted during their meal, but this family also showed equal respect to the servers helping them. They gave the people assigned to their table their full attention each time they came to collect their order or serve them food and drinks, and at the end of the meal, they gave genuine thanks to the same servers for their help. What stood out to me most was the ease with which the children expressed their thanks without prompting from their mother. Their comfortable display of manners could only have reflected what they had been taught at home.

When I next saw them on the hotel grounds, I couldn’t help but compliment their mother for her teachings that were fully displayed in her children’s public conduct. And yes, the two boys thanked me for praising them, with the more outspoken one even giving me a welcome fist bump to express their appreciation fully.

I always take pleasure in witnessing the confidence in children and young people who possess soft social skills which are helpful for everyday life. As they grow up to embrace the simple pleasures of everyday manners, these young people are empowered to lead their daily lives competently. They can stand tall and take up space confidently while displaying the self-awareness and humility that etiquette training provides. They also tend to be great communicators who can connect with those outside of their families with general ease regardless of how extroverted or introverted they may be.

This family, and especially the young boys, were a testament to the fact that children and young people can make a positive mark in society with even the smallest actions when given the tools they need. Not only do they leave those they interact with feeling positive, but they also uphold the exact standard of positive behaviour that makes for great communities.

Let us empower our precious young ones with the skills they need to make good connections as they go about their daily lives. This way, we will help them grow into confident and competent people as they navigate life’s ongoing adventures.