Webster's defines "civility" as a polite act or expression. Have we forgotten this in our day-to-day lives. In our rush...rush...rush...gimme...gimme...gimme world, it's easy to forget the impact that simple politeness can make in the lives of those around us. I'm not advocating a return to a Victorian-style era of politeness, simply do away with the "hard" exterior so many of us have affected to shield ourselves from an ever-growing complex world.
The next generation is always influenced by what goes before them. They emulate our behavior, our ethics, our values. That's where we can all have an impact.
This week, I am writing to Matt and Ryan about being polite in their daily interaction with family and friends. Since they are only five and three, the process is simple. Along with my daughter, Katherine, and her husband Rob, they will be practicing "please", "thank you," and "excuse me." We'll be using monetary rewards to encourage the process. Politeness is a habit and the earlier we learn it, the more it becomes a part of our demeanor.
So today, practice politeness, you'll enjoy the smiles!!
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I really enjoy your blog. I believe that the only way we are going to turn our country around is to to recreate civility in our culture. It will be a difficult process because so many of the young parents today need to learn it before they will be able to instill it in their children.
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