How to Have Manners

In today's society, manners seem to be on the way out. Children don't always have the best manners and many adults don't have a clear understanding of manners, either. If you want to be respected, you need to give people a reason to respect you. Developing manners is a good place to start because good manners give people a positive impression.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Remember to say "please" and "thank you" for everything. Those two words are the stepping stones of manners.

2. Speak to people respectfully. Keep your tone positive and upbeat, and phrase your words so they do not come off as insulting.

3. Listen to others. It's proper manners to listen to when people are speaking. Let them know with a nod of the head or other body language that you are indeed listening.

4. Shake hands with people you're meeting for the first time or who you're just acquaintances with. This shows you're friendly and respectful.

5. Consider others feelings by being receptive of their thoughts and opinions without forcing your own upon them. Being rude to someone shows you lack manners.

6. Accept others for who they are even if you don't agree with them or their decisions. Accept apologies from people who offer them; it's the polite thing to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't allow your tone to be condescending, which could be taken as being disrespectful.

• When you receive gifts, are invited places or someone does something extra for you send them a thank you note or email, or make a thank you call. This shows them you really appreciate what they did for you.

• Word your questions and phrases so they not accusatory.

• Always set examples for children when it comes to manners.