Thursday, January 14, 2010

Manners and respect.

Manners is a widely accepted set of conducts proper at this time. It is a behavior that takes into account the other persons around. Respect is another matter. It is time-related too, but it applies the manners expectations of the other person. Thus, for a person who is twenty-five, it is currently mannerly to address a contemporary by first name immediately. It shows lack of respect, however, to address a person fifty-five years one's senior by first name immediately.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Amen, Jim! I get allot of grief because I use the terms, "Sir and Ma'am" when addressing people I do not know. I've even had complete strangers get testy over it. I just smiled and apologized that my Mother raised be to treat folks with respect until they show reason otherwise... Then I let the door hit them... Robbie