Manners are free....... but do we use them?
life·@yvonneyoung·
0.000 HBDManners are free....... but do we use them?
 As a mum to two teenage boys, I have many a conversation with other mothers about our current society and how are children act within it. Just the other day, the conversation was on the use of manners - 'please', 'thank you' etc. How do you think the conversation went?   Our children are of a very similar age - 13 and 16. I commented to the other mum how I am often congratulated on how my children communicate with others - particular their elders. People will say how they like how my boys will say 'please' and 'thank you'. Surely this should be the norm, shouldn't it? Apparently not I am told and I am also observing Should we accept it when our children say "what?" when they have not heard us. Surely saying "pardon?" Is much more acceptable.  People seem to have forgotten these basics. The conversation proceeded to talk about how, nowadays, individuals are not only no longer using manners but are expecting to get things straight away  without waiting.  When I was a teenager, some 40 years ago(said under a mumbled breath) Anything special that was wanted, we had to wait until it was our birthday or Christmas.  If we didnt want to wait, it was tough or we had to save long and hard from our little bit of pocket money.  Nothing was given instantly. Did this make us more appreciative of all our possessions? Our conversation lead to the conclusion that, yes we did appreciate things alot more back then.  Some of our children's friends are wearing things like, trainers that cost £700!!!! Using mobile phones that are £1,000. These are bought not because it is the individual's birthday or a delivery from Santa - no they are bought because they are asked for immediately.  What is this resulting in or teaching our younger society? Our conversation continued..... A society that is not appreciative. A society that wants and expects things NOW. A society that is not bothered about others. A society that is very materialistic. A society that is consumed in themselves - with no thought for others.  Will this be the future? Is this what we've got to look forward to? Can it improve or just get worst? Spending money like its going out of fashion, tends to lead to the question. ...... will we ever run out? That was then the topic of conversation I had today. Interesting it was too - but I'll save that for another day! Thanks for reading. Hope it has been thought provoking. Yvonne 