KatyDid,

RJB makes the point above that manners change with the times.  You come to the same conclusion…that once enough people  engage in certain behaviors, standards change.

Today I was shopping in Macy’s.  The associates there are unfailing polite and helpful.  They always say:  "Thank you Mrs. Harrison," at the conclusion of the transaction.  Obviously, Macy’s…or at least this store’s manager…sets standards for employee manners because they believe it’s important. 

We spend our entire lives selling ourselves in some way or another—applying for jobs, running for office, getting into school, moving into a new neighborhood, etc.  We do our kids a disservice if we don’t teach them how to be gracious; how to present themselves—how to behave at the tea party;-)

KatyDid,

You raise a good question.  How did we get like this…and why are we so accepting of the lack of common sense and courtesy? 

Many years ago I read a parenting book that included a chapter about the importance of discipline.  The author made his or her point with this story:  Suppose you were invited to high tea with the Queen and you knew I’d already been to the castle for tea.  You asked me how to behave, when to curtsy, what to expect, how to dress, what fork to use, etc.  I said:  "I’m not telling you anything.  You’ll find out when you get there." 

Teaching our children how to behave in the world seems like a small effort to protect them from being embarrassed or not taken seriously because they don’t know basic etiquette or how to respond.  

My observation over the years tells me an awful lot of kids learn their social skills from their peers or from TV.  We now have a few generations straight out of Lord of the Flies!

I think my pet peeve is when a waiter or other service provider responds to my "thank you" with "no problem," I have to bite my tongue not to say "it better not be a problem, since you’re being paid to…." whatever it is I thanked them for.

The term "basically" is now used as filler.  Young people use the phrase "I love him (or her) to death," usually followed with a "but…."  "Like" used inappropriately causes me to mentally dismiss the speaker.

C jay,

I think both sides have plenty of gullible, cut-and-paste types who spew their purloined convictions.  My point was that "bucolic" means "of or relating to pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life."  

Starry,

…right wing base who write bucolic blogs as if they were experts on foreign policy and global economics.  

Are you saying those of us with conservative points of view are country bumpkins?

Well put Sally,

As I said on another thread, Dave’s actions are indefensible, but what’s with the women?  Either Dave has magic allure or those women are gold diggers.  They had their eyes wide open and knew what they were getting into.

Sherry,

I’d bet my last dollar that Liz is no snob.  She was simply saying she’s never seen him at the kind of events he would naturally be invited to…openings, galas, charity events, restaurants, etc.   Since we know how much our girl gets around, I’d say that’s a pretty telling observation!