Good Manners for Teenagers

Teenagers with good sportsmanship have good manners.

It is often in the years leading up to adulthood when people learn and develop good manners. Unlike young children to whom society grants more behavioral leeway, teenagers are expected to act politely and in accordance with a certain social etiquette. The definition of good manners may vary depending on the situation you're in and the company you're with. Thus, it is crucial to have an awareness of your surroundings and apply the appropriate behavior accordingly.

Table Manners

Table manners are a set of expected behaviors displayed at mealtimes. Good table manners may involve more detailed etiquette depending on the formality of the meal setting, but certain behavior is expected in all dining situations. Such behavior includes chewing food with your mouth closed, asking politely for items to be passed rather than reaching across the table and keeping your elbows off the table. Displaying good table manners proves to the other diners that you respect their company and are grateful for the meal.

Graciousness

Being gracious is an important aspect of having good manners. Graciousness involves accepting praise humbly, without boastfulness or conceit. For example, a teenager with good manners will act in a sportsmanlike manner after winning an important sporting event. Rather than bragging about the accomplishment, he will shake his opponents' hands and congratulate them on their efforts. This set of manners also involves being appreciative and grateful for the positive moments in your life. For example, teenagers who display graciousness give thank-you notes to those who have given them gifts.

Listening Skills

Part of having good manners involves conveying to others that you are truly interested in them. When engaged in a conversation, a teenager with good manners will regularly show that she is not only interesting, but is also interested. To achieve this, teenagers use listening skills, such as nodding in understanding, asking relevant questions and picking up on the social cues of others. For example, teenagers who get into the habit of remembering people's names prove that they value people other than themselves.

Courtesy

At the root of courtesy is an awareness of others. For example, courteous teenagers will recognize situations where talking on a cell phone is inappropriate, such as during a church service or at the bank teller's window. Courteous teenagers will notice when children are in earshot and avoid swearing or discussing topics that are inappropriate. Showing active politeness is another aspect of courtesy, such as holding the door open for an old lady or offering to help do the dishes at a dinner party.

References

• Education World: Teaching Manners in a Manner-less World
• Mira Mesa: Top 10 Good Manners To Teach Your Children; Mark Smith; September 2008