What are manners ?

What are manners?

It’s the plural form of manner which means mode of action, way of performing or doing anything.

A person's outward bearing or way of behaving towards others

Respect, kindness, and consideration form the basis of manners.

How to Develop Good Manners?

In this day and age of coarse language and mannerisms, basic courtesy and manners make a person stand out in the crowd. Whenever a person shows the basic manners, gratitude and treats others with respect, it spreads positivity all around.

People debate that today it is quite unusual to come across such personalities. But, it is actually a matter of personal experience and surroundings. We cannot say that good manners and etiquette's have been wiped off the planet, nor we can say that everybody has the same level of it.

Another thing to add is when we come across people of different cultures, and without knowing what they are actually trying to convey, we judge them. Though the basic mannerism remains the same for all of us, sometimes, specific actions or signs mean differently in other cultures. So, whenever you are in any such situation, be cautious before developing your perception about them.

What people often fail to notice is that good manners leave a good impression on others. While someone may forget why they think well of you, it may be your courtesy or good manners that might have made an impression on them.

Practising good manners is being aware of and respecting the feelings of others.

Here are a few footsteps to develop good manners:

1.     Treat others as you want them to treat you. Put yourself in other people’s shoes and imagine how they would want to be treated. Be friendly, helpful, respectful, and courteous to the people around you. Just ask yourself, "If you were in their situation, how would you want to be treated?"

2.    Learn to smile when you meet people. Acknowledge the presence of another person. Smile and greet people when you meet them.

2.    If you're speaking to an elder, an acquaintance, a business associate, or your boss, go for a formal greeting by using their title

3.    Dress appropriately. Every place or event has a dress code. Dress accordingly and look presentable. This includes taking a shower, keeping your hair, skin, nails, and clothing clean. Also, you should wear clean clothes. Your good manners may go unnoticed if you are not well-groomed.

4.    Introduce people the right way. The first step in making introductions is to know who should be introduced to whom.  Use phrases like “I’d like to introduce you to” or “May I introduce you to,” should be used before taking the person’s name.

5.    Greet people when you are introduced to them. When you are introduced to someone, look into the person’s eyes, remember his name, and offer a handshake and say, “It’s a pleasure meeting you.” Make eye contact with the person you are talking to.

6.    Acknowledge people when they leave. When someone is leaving your home, it is a good etiquette to walk them out to their car. Say a short goodbye like, “Drive safely. Thank you for dropping by. It was a pleasure meeting you. Give my love to your family.” Wave as they drive away. Leave once they have safely pulled out of your driveway.

7.     Say please and thank you. Every time you ask someone for a favor, remind yourself to say please. It does not matter how small the favor is. Every time someone helps you, say thank you even if it is to a barista serving you a coffee. Always make sure to say “excuse me” if you need to leave your dinner table or a social setting temporarily.

8.    Hold doors open for others. Hold doors open for someone who would be entering shortly after you, for women, for someone with a baby stroller, for people with their hands full, someone with a child with them, people who are weak, elderly, handicapped, etc.

We at Gracious Avatar   help you to learn by practicing and implementing the same which will help you to become a well-mannered human being.