When did the expectation of courtesy become non-existent? In the past, there were little social rules that made day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable. Many of the customs we still partake in today are considered ‘outdated’ but help society function on a personal, individual level. Here are some practices that won’t help you collect more positive reinforcement from your mother but will create a positive environment where people want to spend time together.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Standing When Someone Enters the Room
- 2 2. Writing Thank-You Notes
- 3 3. Returning Phone Calls Promptly
- 4 4. Dressing for the Occasion
- 5 5. Not Interrupting Conversations
- 6 6. Bringing Food to New Neighbors
- 7 7. RSVPing to Invitations
- 8 8. Being On Time
- 9 9. Not Discussing Certain Topics at the Table
- 10 10. Walking Guests to the Door
- 11 11. Offering Your Seat
- 12 12. Keeping Your Word
- 13 13. Writing Condolence Letters
- 14 14. Respecting Others’ Property
- 15 15. Making Proper Introductions
1. Standing When Someone Enters the Room
Simply standing when someone enters the room is a sign of respect and acknowledgement of their existence. Even if it is a lady or elder, standing is a sign of respect to pause what you are doing and give them your full attention. Everyone in the room feels acknowledged and celebrated, and it’s all thanks to you.
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2. Writing Thank-You Notes
Writing a thank you note is the most formal way to show appreciation. It shows that you recognize the time and effort that someone put into whatever they did for you. Most people will keep thank you notes for years and years, and those who do not will eventually throw them away as a sign of disrespect. This is why we appreciate kindness.
3. Returning Phone Calls Promptly
In today’s society, not returning a call, voicemail, or text message is the norm, but in the past, it was the complete opposite. Not returning a call is considered rude in any society, but particular in text message reliant societies, it is very important. Missing a call always leads to a strong social relationship and is seen as a sign of respect for the people you are communicating with.
4. Dressing for the Occasion
Events such as church service, a friend’s house for dinner, and flying on an airplane, were all occasions to dress appropriately and demonstrate respect for the occasion and the people around us. It was not about showing off. It was about showing that you appreciated the people and the occasion enough to put in some work.
5. Not Interrupting Conversations
The ability to participate in a conversation involves an appreciation for the art of listening. We were encouraged to wait for people to speak, and to never interrupt unless it was a genuine emergency. This fostered an environment for constructive discussion and helped people to be respected and understood.
6. Bringing Food to New Neighbors
Cooking a meal or baking something to welcome new neighbors was more than just a friendly gesture, it was community building. It helped new neighbors feel connected to a community and the relationships often span decades. It gave neighborhoods the feeling of extended family.
7. RSVPing to Invitations
When an invite was received, responding was a must. Whether or not someone could attend, it was done as a sign of value to the work of the host. It reduced stress for the host and increased enjoyment of the activity.
8. Being On Time
Being on time signaled respect for other people’s time. Valuing a dinner host’s time as much as their own. This respect for others time lowed the stress of social situations.
9. Not Discussing Certain Topics at the Table
Dinner table conversation rules weren’t about being overly defensive and avoiding touchy subject matter. Having an even temper and staying cool or heated about your opinions was a big reason to not lose your cool and keep the topics else where. In fact, this was said to improve digestion for the group!
10. Walking Guests to the Door
Leaving the house was not the end of the visit. You walked them out to the door and even to their car! It was a good way to make sure your guests were safe, and it really showed them you valued their company and presence. It kept everyone safe for the entire visit, and made sure you ended everything on a gracious note.
11. Offering Your Seat
The community valued seat giving and other acts of consideration for others. Thanks to selflessness, the spaces were better for all to live and they become reminders of the interdependence of people and consideration.
12. Keeping Your Word
Each individual promise was evidence of trust and a commitment to the entire community. This is how we built relationships, this is how we strengthened trust and foundations.
13. Writing Condolence Letters
The time and effort put into heartfelt sympathy letters showed genuine support and care. Touching text messages lacked the relic quality to provide comfort for the reader’s emotions. The letters were expressions of sympathy that were tangible and helped people through difficult times.
14. Respecting Others’ Property
While borrowing something from someone, we would take extra care of that item, as to not damage it in any way to the point that we would return the item in better condition than it was received. That level of respect created trust between people which encouraged them to help each other. It was the building block of the community.
15. Making Proper Introductions
The ability to introduce people to one another made it possible to establish important relationships. We would highlight certain traits of an individual to stimulate conversation and identify areas of mutual interest. This method of introduction frequently resulted in enduring partnerships.
