Manners

Manners

Manners are the unenforced standards of conduct which demonstrate that a

person is proper, caring, non-grouchy, polite, and refined. They are like laws in that

they codify or set a standard for human behavior, but they are unlike laws in that

there is no formal system for punishing transgressions, the main informal

"punishment" being social disapproval.

Manners around the world start with respect for differences.

Not all cultures are the same. Generally speaking, you can be yourself as long asyou remain friendly and courteous. Always keep in mind that you are the guest insomeone else's country.

For example:

In Europe, do not address people by there first names. Mr. and Mrs. are morecommonly used.

Shaking hands is an important business ritual throughout Europe and Britain.

In most countries a handshake should be gentle. A firm handshake can showaggression.

In Asia, instead of a handshake a person will bow from the waist, and the personwith the lower status bows more deeply.

In Italy and Russia, close friends will often greet each other with a kiss.

In Europe, men traditionally walk to the left of the ladies. They generally enter arestaurant ahead of the lady - to lead the way to the table.

In some countries, people feel comfortable standing closer to each other, whenthey are talking. It would be rude to back away. In other countries, like China andJapan, they want more distance between people.

In Holland, they always use utensils. Many Dutch even eat bread with a knife andfork!

In Sweden, you keep your voice down. Swedes are quiet people.

Americans like to whistle, when they are applauding, but in Europe it is known as atype of booing.

In Russia, whistling by women is unladylike.

In some parts of the Middle East, shaking your head "no" means "yes" and noddingyour head "yes" means "no".

In a number of countries, keep eye contact with the speaker is rude. They showrespect by not looking straight at the person talking.























25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9

Your child's rude attitude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize

it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in

front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy

moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you

reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency.They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the mostpolite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save youfrom many hours of grief later.

Manner #6

The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, orbetween you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7

Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's tocompliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8

When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents forhaving you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10

Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11

When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with theperson you are calling.

Manner #12

Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, ahandwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13

Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, andthey find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15

Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, andganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16

Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you areinterested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17

If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you canhelp. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again.This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach youor watch what adults do.

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

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Manners