Mind your manners!

smilies

Mikhaila Friel shares why she things manners are just as important now as they were when your gran was a girl…

Whether you’re going for that big job interview, you’re meeting someone for the first time or you’re hanging out with your nan, there’s a little thing called ‘politeness’ which is never going to go out of style.

Too many of us have forgotten what it means to be polite. Too many of us forget what a splash of kindness can mean to someone. Are you one of these people? If you need some reminding as to why using your manners matters, then look no further…

1. A Smile Can Go A Long Way

When I make eye contact with someone – whether it’s a stranger or not – I always smile. So it annoys me to no end when the other person doesn’t. Or worse yet – they look right through me. How do you think that makes me feel? Do you really have to pretend you didn’t see me? It’s not hard to turn up the corners of your mouth – you know it’s true. You never know what someone is going through; a warm, genuine smile could mean a lot to them.

2. Hand Shakes Are The Best Way

I recently started a new job, and I can count on one hand the number of people who shook my hand upon meeting me. This gesture may seem old-fashioned to my generation, but I believe it says a lot about a person. It says: nice to meet you. They are making an effort with you, and showing it to.

3. Hi, my name is….

Don’t just assume that someone knows your name. They may be a friend of a friend, but that doesn’t mean they’ve heard all about you. I hate standing in a group of new people and not one of them bothers to introduce themselves. If you’re one of these people, then remember: the newbie is nervous. The newbie wants to make friends. Be nice to them.

4. Compliments are cool

If I like someone’s hair, I tell them. If they’re outfit is cute, I ask where it’s from. Personally, if someone gives me a compliment, it makes my day. As Dave Willis said: “Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.”

5. Offer a Helping Hand

Where I work, we all help each other. If someone is carrying something heavy, I hold the door open for them. If someone is struggling with their job, I assist them. Of course, this is just being a decent human being – but for some reason, we are not all like this. I’ve worked at places where my co-workers would tut, shake their heads and laugh if I got something wrong. They’d rather stand gossiping with their friends than help me get the job done. This is a horrible environment to be in, somewhere I gladly traded for a place filled with politeness.

Manners can go a long way, in work, at school or college and in life. It makes you memorable, and you’re likely to go further than the people that can’t manage a simple ‘thank you’. Now, tell me this: what category do you fall into? Are you rude, or polite? Nasty or nice? I hope for the latter.

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