After reading a couple of recent posts regarding some of the antics seen in campgrounds by inconsiderate campers and after spending two nights at the local elementary school watching the 5th grade class play, I have to ask the question.... What has happened to manners?
Each night during the play, there have been a few toddlers crying or talking (loudly) at various points during the hour long play. The parents allowed these kids to continue without any effort to quiet them or take them outside until they calmed or quieted down. It made it difficult for everyone around them to hear the children up on the stage. One toddler talked constantly throughout the play.
To further make my point, I was bumped into several times by teenagers coming into or out of the auditorium and was never offered an apology. One kid with a backpack on swung around, his backpack hit me and nearly knocked me off of my feet, he never even looked back and was gone before I could say anything to him. Luckily I'm a big guy, if he had hit a smaller person I'm sure they would have gone down.
At Costco for lunch yesterday, I was patiently waiting for two people to finish putting condiments on their hot dogs. Two different people tried to cut in front of me to get to the condiments. I had to "remind" them to wait their turn.
It would take me a week to put down all of the driving instances of bad manners I've seen in just the past couple of weeks. The one that irrates me the most, is the drivers who run the red light making a left turn at intersections controlled by turn arrows. One intersection in town, the busiest intersection, I consistently count no fewer than five cars that run the red arrow, making the rest of us drivers and pedestrians wait while they clear the intersection. I've seen several near misses between these inconsiderate drivers and pedestrians, the pedestrians have the walk signal and are in a crosswalk.
It's becoming a me, me, me, society here in southern California. No consideration for the other person.
I'm stepping down from my soapbox now and feel a lot better after venting and a couple of tequilla shots (just kidding )
wmalefyt said
09:25 AM Jun 6, 2008
Well, you really hit all my "hot buttons" with that post! Believe me, southern California doesn't have an exclusive on people without manners!! We live in southwest Florida and it's no different here!
We just got home from running a few errands and had an issue with the UPS driver who parked his truck right in the middle of the crosswalk leading from the parking lot to the drugstore. I had to ask him to move his truck up a bit so we wouldn't have to climb over the vegetation to get into the store! Whatever happened to "deliveries in the rear"?? It's the same thing everyday at this same store with either UPS, FedEx, the beer truck, bread man, etc. blocking things in front of the store instead of delivering in the rear.
Thanks for getting my blood pressure up a few points!
Judy said
10:01 AM Jun 6, 2008
I agree with the above posts but just be GLAD you are not one of them. Seems all are in a hurry with no consideration for others. This is just everyday life out there folks. southwestjudy
Speedhitch said
10:15 AM Jun 6, 2008
Bear..Bill and all who will listen...that is what fulltiming is all about. We will have all the time in the world to get into that store and cross that street...to heck with the UPS guy and all the other inconciderate people in this world. Calm down and smell the flowers. You will live a much longer and happier life by being a RV-Dreamer. When those things happen picture yourself in a green valley looking at snow covered mountains out the window of your RV...then picture the UPS driver sweating and running around in his armpit stained shirt being Obnoxious....Don't you feel better already??
Can I get an AMEN
Doctor Speedy
Gummy said
10:58 AM Jun 6, 2008
Amen Doctor Speedy, well put. I sometimes feel that good manners have gone the way of discipline, you just don't see it much anymore. I try to reinstate it with every blog that I write, I close with Stay Safe and Mind Your Manners. Gummy
RVDude said
11:27 AM Jun 6, 2008
Yep, I am sure thankful I have the time and the health to push my dad's wheelchair or assist both my sister-in-law's walker bound folks around those crosswalk blocking trucks, over curbs and shrubs because the ramp is blocked by texting teens, and up from the far back of the parking lot because of a lazy handicap tag holder's relative using that handicap spot for their personal convenience. Yep, time is a wonderful thing.
But, I still take the time to flash a sneer and make a wish that someday, "those" folks just might understand.
thebearII said
01:19 PM Jun 6, 2008
Thanks for the replies and support.
If only I could convince my wife to sell and hit the road early, then I too could sit back, relax and cruise to places of wonder.
As Abe Lincoln once said "I will prepare and some day my chance will come. "
Froggi said
02:02 PM Jun 6, 2008
We have become a society where it's all about ME, ME, ME.
It's more important for "ME" to get to my destination, no matter how much I might inconvenience anyone else (even if I am risking all of us). Those 2 seconds I save are important (not....).
It's okay to be oblivious to my surroundings, cutting people off, bumping into them (why didn't they move when they saw me), talking loudly on my cell phone announcing all my business (& private matters) to everyone who will listen (and even those who don't want to).
Why should I say "excuse me" or "sorry" when I don't bother to say "please", "thank you" or "you're welcome"?
No skin off my nose if the door slams behind me...and in your face. You should have walked faster or slower.
I could go on and on....sad commentary on times. But it does make me strive to be MUCH more courteous myself. I've found more patience as well....but try not to be too smug about it.
-- Edited by Froggi at 19:18, 2008-06-06
Tylersamma said
02:25 PM Jun 6, 2008
We are retired and fulltimers, so we try to be more tolerant of those who are not so blessed. But still, they can make you crazy!!!!!!
Roz said
02:34 PM Jun 6, 2008
Did I write all of those? At one time or another, I most likely have.
I do not have the answer, but I know that a heck of a lot of parents out there have not done an adequate job of teaching their offspring what manners are or to care for other's feelings.
As to the delivery trucks not using the rear door, you would not believe how many shops and stores either do not have a back door or the alley is blocked by one of the inconsiderate people all of the above has described. Parcel delivery truck drivers must get the parcel to the store, and most stores will not open rear doors for one parcel. The parcel delivery guy or lady is in a no win situation and has to do whatever is necessary to deliver everything we all have ordered or bought.
I try to put myself in other's shoes, but like what everyone has said here it is the total lack of manners, respect and civility running rampant in the rat race that frosts my . . . never mind.
To, like was suggested above, take a deep breath and say to yourself, "Except for the grace of God, there goes myself." We are so blessed to not be in those other shoes. Each time such a situation arises, I think how thankful I am I do not have share dinner or for God's sake a bed with someone that angry at life and lacking any sense of well bred manners.
We are fortunate to be able to take our time and not worry if it takes us a minute or two extra to get things done. Thank you all for caring about manners, I often worry that no one else does.
Charles
wmalefyt said
06:28 AM Jun 7, 2008
Yes, life is too short and I shouldn't let these things bother me. I'll work on it as it's really not worth it to get upset over others lack of manners. Thanks to all for the words of wisdom!
Sure wish we were pulling into Branson for the rally. Here's hoping there will be a rally next year and that we will be there!
Guiler85 said
09:12 AM Jun 7, 2008
All I have to say is a resounding, AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too often we talk about these same things. We are grateful that we can sit back and let those who feel they need to stampede forward, but what's going to happen when it's them who get stampeded? Hmmmmmmmmm . . .
FedExMan said
06:46 PM Jun 7, 2008
I have some physical limitations, and most times are either using a quad-cane or my handicapped scooter. You cannot believe the people who just walk in front of the scooter or see me walking up to a door and just let it slam in my face. It never ceases to amaze me the total rudeness we all encounter on a daily basis. I know I taught my son how to say Please and thank-you, open doors for people, wait his turn, etc. There are however, numerous instances where folks have gone out their way to assist me with doors, items on a store shelf, and many other gestures of courtsey and kindness.
I will confess to doing something really, really bad. I was walking into a store that didn't have automated doors, and as I swung open the door, taking a step back, grasping my cane , a kid, oh about 12, actually bumped into me and tried to sneak into the door ahead of me...well, I just happened to stick my cane between this young man's extraordinary large Nike shoes and oh, my, goodness....he tripped and fell flat on his face. Immediately I exclaimed..."OH my gosh, are you all right?" The kid jumped up like I was getting ready to kick him in the tush and just looked at me. I winked at him and gave him my sweetest smile. He knew exactly why I did what I did, and he lowered his gaze and quickly exited the store. Gee, I felt bad for days! Really, I did! And I am not making this up!
Dennise The Retired FedExMan and the Dizzy Blond http://ziaja.blogspot.com Currently Workamping in Branson
phyllen said
05:19 AM Jun 8, 2008
My job is of a human resource professional for a food processor. Among my duties is plant safety. Each year I have a mobil van come and perform hearing checks on all employees. They can do 6 checks at a time. I set up some lawn chairs to make it more comfortable for those people waiting to have their hearing checks done.
Last year I had 5 chairs set out. Five young men (18 to 24) arrived and plunked themselves in the chairs, legs stretched out. Also arriving about the same time was a women employee who is in her late 50's and has severe leg problems. Everyone can see she makes an effort with every step. Do you think ONE of these fine young men would offer her a chair to wait? Of course not, there they sat - comfy as could be while she stood there in pain.
I made remarks intended to embarass them. No deal. I finally asked if one of them would be a gentlemen. She said "that's okay, I can stand". That was good enough for them as they continued sitting until their time to enter the van. I am sure they found nothing wrong in their actions.
blijil said
06:14 AM Jun 8, 2008
We have all been there and done that. Unfortunately I suspect that we have at one time or another been on both sides of the good manners issue. I certainly have done my share of inconsiderate, pushy, and annoying actions because I was to much in a hurry, thoughtless, and even clueless. It seems that now that we have begun to slow down that we realize how bad our manners have been. These days we just try to do the right thing no matter what the other guy does. Do they still crowd in, push and shove, cut us off, wave as they go by our rig, cut through our campground, ...... it goes on and on? Yes they do! But we just smile and thank God we aren't in a hurry to get everything done today so we can do more tomorrow. Out of the rat race is a good place to be and we will not let other people drag us back in by their bad manners! Well, most of the time anyway.
Each night during the play, there have been a few toddlers crying or talking (loudly) at various points during the hour long play. The parents allowed these kids to continue without any effort to quiet them or take them outside until they calmed or quieted down. It made it difficult for everyone around them to hear the children up on the stage. One toddler talked constantly throughout the play.
To further make my point, I was bumped into several times by teenagers coming into or out of the auditorium and was never offered an apology. One kid with a backpack on swung around, his backpack hit me and nearly knocked me off of my feet, he never even looked back and was gone before I could say anything to him. Luckily I'm a big guy, if he had hit a smaller person I'm sure they would have gone down.
At Costco for lunch yesterday, I was patiently waiting for two people to finish putting condiments on their hot dogs. Two different people tried to cut in front of me to get to the condiments. I had to "remind" them to wait their turn.
It would take me a week to put down all of the driving instances of bad manners I've seen in just the past couple of weeks. The one that irrates me the most, is the drivers who run the red light making a left turn at intersections controlled by turn arrows. One intersection in town, the busiest intersection, I consistently count no fewer than five cars that run the red arrow, making the rest of us drivers and pedestrians wait while they clear the intersection. I've seen several near misses between these inconsiderate drivers and pedestrians, the pedestrians have the walk signal and are in a crosswalk.
It's becoming a me, me, me, society here in southern California. No consideration for the other person.
I'm stepping down from my soapbox now and feel a lot better after venting and a couple of tequilla shots (just kidding
We just got home from running a few errands and had an issue with the UPS driver who parked his truck right in the middle of the crosswalk leading from the parking lot to the drugstore. I had to ask him to move his truck up a bit so we wouldn't have to climb over the vegetation to get into the store! Whatever happened to "deliveries in the rear"?? It's the same thing everyday at this same store with either UPS, FedEx, the beer truck, bread man, etc. blocking things in front of the store instead of delivering in the rear.
Thanks for getting my blood pressure up a few points!
southwestjudy
But, I still take the time to flash a sneer and make a wish that someday, "those" folks just might understand.
It's more important for "ME" to get to my destination, no matter how much I might inconvenience anyone else (even if I am risking all of us). Those 2 seconds I save are important (not....).
It's okay to be oblivious to my surroundings, cutting people off, bumping into them (why didn't they move when they saw me), talking loudly on my cell phone announcing all my business (& private matters) to everyone who will listen (and even those who don't want to).
Why should I say "excuse me" or "sorry" when I don't bother to say "please", "thank you" or "you're welcome"?
No skin off my nose if the door slams behind me...and in your face. You should have walked faster or slower.
I could go on and on....sad commentary on times. But it does make me strive to be MUCH more courteous myself. I've found more patience as well....but try not to be too smug about it.
-- Edited by Froggi at 19:18, 2008-06-06
I do not have the answer, but I know that a heck of a lot of parents out there have not done an adequate job of teaching their offspring what manners are or to care for other's feelings.
As to the delivery trucks not using the rear door, you would not believe how many shops and stores either do not have a back door or the alley is blocked by one of the inconsiderate people all of the above has described. Parcel delivery truck drivers must get the parcel to the store, and most stores will not open rear doors for one parcel. The parcel delivery guy or lady is in a no win situation and has to do whatever is necessary to deliver everything we all have ordered or bought.
I try to put myself in other's shoes, but like what everyone has said here it is the total lack of manners, respect and civility running rampant in the rat race that frosts my . . . never mind.
To, like was suggested above, take a deep breath and say to yourself, "Except for the grace of God, there goes myself." We are so blessed to not be in those other shoes. Each time such a situation arises, I think how thankful I am I do not have share dinner or for God's sake a bed with someone that angry at life and lacking any sense of well bred manners.
We are fortunate to be able to take our time and not worry if it takes us a minute or two extra to get things done. Thank you all for caring about manners, I often worry that no one else does.
Charles
Sure wish we were pulling into Branson for the rally. Here's hoping there will be a rally next year and that we will be there!
I have some physical limitations, and most times are either using a quad-cane or my handicapped scooter. You cannot believe the people who just walk in front of the scooter or see me walking up to a door and just let it slam in my face. It never ceases to amaze me the total rudeness we all encounter on a daily basis. I know I taught my son how to say Please and thank-you, open doors for people, wait his turn, etc. There are however, numerous instances where folks have gone out their way to assist me with doors, items on a store shelf, and many other gestures of courtsey and kindness.
I will confess to doing something really, really bad. I was walking into a store that didn't have automated doors, and as I swung open the door, taking a step back, grasping my cane , a kid, oh about 12, actually bumped into me and tried to sneak into the door ahead of me...well, I just happened to stick my cane between this young man's extraordinary large Nike shoes and oh, my, goodness....he tripped and fell flat on his face. Immediately I exclaimed..."OH my gosh, are you all right?" The kid jumped up like I was getting ready to kick him in the tush and just looked at me. I winked at him and gave him my sweetest smile. He knew exactly why I did what I did, and he lowered his gaze and quickly exited the store. Gee, I felt bad for days! Really, I did! And I am not making this up!
Dennise
The Retired FedExMan and the Dizzy Blond
http://ziaja.blogspot.com
Currently Workamping in Branson
We have all been there and done that. Unfortunately I suspect that we have at one time or another been on both sides of the good manners issue. I certainly have done my share of inconsiderate, pushy, and annoying actions because I was to much in a hurry, thoughtless, and even clueless. It seems that now that we have begun to slow down that we realize how bad our manners have been. These days we just try to do the right thing no matter what the other guy does. Do they still crowd in, push and shove, cut us off, wave as they go by our rig, cut through our campground, ...... it goes on and on? Yes they do! But we just smile and thank God we aren't in a hurry to get everything done today so we can do more tomorrow. Out of the rat race is a good place to be and we will not let other people drag us back in by their bad manners! Well, most of the time anyway.
Have a good, calm, peaceful day.
Larry and Jacki