Practice Courtesy on a Daily Basis

   

Step 22:

 Courtesy is nothing more than consideration for others. It opens doors that would not otherwise open. A courteous person who is not very sharp, will go further in life than a discourteous but sharp person.

It is the little things that make a big difference. Have you ever been bitten by an elephant? The most obvious answer is no. Have you ever been bitten by a mosquito? Most of us have. It is the little irritants that test patience. Courtesy is made of nothing more than many petty sacrifices. Small courtesies will take a person much further than cleverness. Courtesy is an offshoot of deep moral behavior. It costs nothing but pays well.

 No one is too big or too busy to practice courtesy. Courtesy means giving your seat to the elderly or to the disabled. Courtesy can be a warm smile, a thank-you. It is a small investment but the payoffs are big. It enhances the other person's self-worth. Courtesy requires humility. It is unfortunate when people become obnoxious, because they detract from their positive traits. I have overheard people saying with pride, "I can be pretty obnoxious."

 Scatter the seeds of courtesy wherever you can. Some are bound to take root and elevate you in the eyes of others.

 Manners

 Courtesy and manners go hand in hand. It is equally important, if not more, to practice manners at home and not just on outsiders. Showing consideration and good manners brings out a feeling of warmth and acceptance in the home. Courtesy means practicing good manners. Besides being self-satisfying, politeness and courtesy have many more advantages than rude behavior. Considering that, I wonder why more people don't practice courtesy.Rude and discourteous people may get short term results. Most people like to avoid dealing with such behavior and in the long run, rude people are disliked. Courteous behavior ought to be taught to children at an early age so that they can grow and become mature, considerate adults. Courteous behavior, once learned, stays for life. It demonstrates a caring attitude and a sensitivity to other people's feelings. It seems trivial and unimportant, but little phrases such as, "please," "thank you" and "I'm sorry" take a person a long way. 

Remember, being courteous will breed courtesy in return. Practice as much and as often as you can. Initially, it may take some effort, but the effort is well worth it.

 Politeness is the hallmark of gentleness. Courtesy is another name for politeness. It costs a little but pays a lot, not only to the individual but to the entire organization.

 Have you noticed that sometimes when one person is telling a joke, another person will jump in and give the punch line, drawing attention to himself. And after everyone laughs he will reveal where he read it. This may show superior knowledge but it shows inferior manners. 

Courtesy Shows Good Upbringing

 Many brilliant and talented people have destroyed their own success because they lack courtesy and manners. Politeness and courtesy are signs of being cultured. Rudeness and discourtesy show the lack of it. Treat other people with respect and dignity.

 Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength. --Eric Hoffer