Things, In Common...

When I think about some, aspects, regarding human-interaction, and, social-behavior, I acknowledge, that, I am quite, fortunate, in the sense of understanding the importance, NOW, more than ever, of 'common-decency' and, 'common-courtesy', neither, of which, appear, very, COMMON, at all, these days. I must attribute my desire to maintain a, certain, level of each, these, 'social-mores', to the upbringing, which, I was fortunate to experience. Kudos, Mom and Dad! Our family, as most, had it's 'issues' and we were far, from the 'ideal' of the 'perfect-family-fold'; However, we received lots of love, enough, direction, instrumental to survival, and, were taught the 'good-graces' of the 'Golden-Rule'. Certainly, as society changes, so do the implications and 'interpretations' of some, societal-'dictates'. Yet, in my estimation, social-consciousness, with regard to how we treat, not only others, but, ourselves, is an issue, which, ought NEVER go 'out of style'. When I encounter people, who, seem 'surprised', and, oftentimes, appear, 'put-off' by my polite-nature, it is ever, clear, that, as a people, particularly, in this, area of the world, we have lost a 'key'-component to our humanity. When making phone calls, I, always, first say, 'Hello', introduce myself, and, ask, 'How are you, today?'. I cannot describe the number of times I have been greeted with silence, an abrupt, response, or a very, shocked, "Oh, I'm fine...and you?' I hold doors open for people, both men and women, and, I nod a friendly, 'How do', when passing someone on the street. I have raised my, own, sons to know the importance of treating others with kindness and politeness, and, to their credit, they are, indeed, courteous, and, civil, young men. I imagine, that, when the time comes for them to raise their own, 'charges', they will impart to them the same, 'code of ethics'. We have no control over the social-changes, which, the world, 'at large' comes to accept as 'normal'; but, we do, in fact, have control over our own behavior(s). I, for, one, will NEVER, acquiesce, to the 'acceptance' of anything, less than, courtesy and decency...'common', or, otherwise. Just Sayin'...