A Simple Thank You Will Suffice!

A Simple Thank You Will Suffice!

Growing up in the ‘40’s was a different life style than what we currently experience.  There were no cell phones.  In fact, we had a party line at home.  That means we shared a phone line with a stranger who had the same number.  Long distance calls always engendered a sense of excitement when someone would come into the yard on a summer day and yell, “It’s long distance!”.  People would run to the phone because back then those calls were expensive.

Back then too I remember there was a certain amount of politeness exhibited by everyone.  People would actually say “please” and “thank you”.  If someone opened or held a door there was always an acknowledgement with a polite “thank you”.  Nowadays it is a rare moment when someone utters those magical words.  Heck, I always hold a door for people and is it too much for someone to acknowledge that gesture with a simple thanks!  And here is what I do when someone does not say “thank you” – I automatically say “you’re welcome!”  Most times it is returned with a glare as if I was some type of doorman or a Walmart greeter!

Something else that I think has eluded our modern society is the sending of “thank you” notes when someone takes the time to send a gift for a birthday or the birth of a child.  Now I don’t expect a “thank you” if we send a card but if the card contains a check how about responding in kind!  And if a person receives a gift for a new born how about taking a moment in between diaper changes to either send a “thank you” card or at least make a phone call?

Civility and etiquette seem to be dead in our modern society. People are so stressed that simple acts of politeness are often overlooked.  And of course these same people are setting a bad example for their children who will no doubt carry on the legacy of their parents and become just as rude.

Another word that is often lacking in society is the word “sorry”.  How often have you been jostled in a store or hallway by someone who is hell-bent on leaving without that person ever saying “sorry”.  Just another case of societal rudeness.

Now I realize that some readers will conclude that I am some type of elitist and that I have a need to be thanked and acknowledged for any act of kindness that I demonstrate.  And frankly if expecting people in society to say “thank you” when someone holds a door – if expecting people to acknowledge a gift with a short “thank you” card or letter – and if I expect people to say “sorry” when bumping into me – then yes, I am an elitist and there should be more of us! 

So in conclusion – “thank you” for reading this column but I am not sorry if I offended any of you especially if I have ever held a door for you with no appropriate acknowledgment!