Manners & Etiquette - General

Manners and Etiquette are what distinguish us from the apes (and a good many of our fellow human beings too). "Manners maketh the man," is a phrase not used much these days. The basics have been largely forgotten. The older generation may well remember some of the following:

Don't point - it's rude
Don't smoke or eat in the street - it looks 'common'
Don't talk with your mouth full - you may spit some out - disgusting!
Keep your voice down - Don't shout
Don't interrupt
Don't Swear
Open doors for the elderly and for women
Hold doors open for whoever is following you in - don't let it slam in their face
Use 'please' and 'thank you'

There are some modern considerations too:

Rules on the use of Telephones and Mobile Phones (Cell Phones)
Rules on the use of Answering Machines & Speaker Phones
Road Etiquette
Neighborhood Noise - loud music at all hours
And many others that you can think of by yourself

There are no hard and fast rules or laws on this subject. In a nut shell, showing good manners is to show courtesy and consideration for other people at all times in all circumstances, putting yourself in their shoes and thereby not being offensive, rude or disrespectful.

Manners have evolved from customs, protocols and conventions. This process is common to all countries and cultures and has developed over the ages. They are even enshrined in the Ten Commandments!

These rules differ between countries and cultures but nevertheless are there to ensure a harmonious and peaceful coexistence between people thus creating a society that will respect the rights of others. This is the foundation of order and trust as opposed to chaos and crime.

Vandalism is a growing problem in the Western world whether drug or alcohol induced or as a result of idleness in our affluent society. Vandalism includes the destruction of public property by skateboards or the defacing of property with graffiti.

Communities are now starting to band together to stamp out this scourge in their suburbs. One such army of volunteers in Western Australia is promoting 'vandalism prevention awareness' in schools and is actively recruiting members to be the eyes of the community to help discourage this mindless activity. Wherever you are you can be a part of this movement called PAV (People Against Vandalism)

The School of Good Etiquette has many disciplines that will lead you to a world where tolerance, mutual Respect, Compassion, Consideration, Co-operation and Harmony will be a part of your life.

How comfortable are you at a funeral? Would you embarass yourself and the bereaved?

Do you know what to wear to a wedding?

Do you know how to plan a wedding?

Are you aware of the significance of your national flag and the long traditions associated with it?

What do you know about being a good neighbour? Are you a good neighbour?

Learn a better way to interrelate with people. Remember, the way you behave will determine the way you are perceived by others, be they family, employers, employees, friends, relations, neighbours, strangers, commuters and anyone else who crosses your path.

Come …. embark on a quest to improve your self-confidence, set an example and become a role model to your children and others.

Explore our A to Z Guide to Manners & Etiquette ……. it will give you the tools you need to make your world a better place.

Can't find what you are looking for? Try our Google Search below:

We would love to hear about your experiences and views on Manners & Etiquette on our interactive visitors forum - manners for possible inclusion on our rage page.

Back to the A to Z Guide