6 Superb Benefits of Displaying Manners

‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ for the win

Like most kids, I learned the basics when it came to manners. Phrases like please and thank you, may I, and excuse me were repeated during my upbringing.

As a child, I understood showing respect was not negotiable; it was mandatory. However, as an adult, I’m often bombarded with rudeness throughout my day.

Whether it’s an impatient customer in line at the Post Office or a rude individual on their phone in a public space, manners seem to have left the people once they’re considered adults.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Using please and thank you is just good manners. By using simple phrases such as these, you’re showing the world you have respect and consideration for others.

Even gestures such as holding the door open for strangers displays a heightened level of awareness for others.

The benefits of displaying manners have the potential to last longer than a moment.

Here are 6 superb benefits of displaying manners:

1. It makes people feel appreciated

“Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.” — Eric Hoffer

Most people don’t take the time to greet cashiers in Starbucks. Instead, they go right into placing their orders. I know; I’ve witnessed this multiple times.

Whenever I step into a Starbucks, Post Office, or the DMV, I put whatever frustrations I may be feeling in the moment aside and greet the employee in front of me. I use please and thank you when making requests, and I smile.

I’ve watched the body language of service workers change when I show them I appreciate their time and their efforts in assisting me. I’m showing them I see their humanity, and I’m not trying to put myself above them.

Everyone wants to be seen, everyone. Why not change someone’s day for the better instead of being a nuisance and making demands?

2. It opens up dialogue with strangers

“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” — Clarence Thomas.

I talk to strangers regularly. I’ve worked in customer service in one form or another since high school. Learning to communicate and connect with guests has been vital for me to make an income.

Talking to new people often comes with anxiety for many people, and it takes a lot of energy to do so. I recognize this and do my best to put whoever I’m speaking with at ease by treating them with respect.

Some of the best conversations I’ve had to date have been within the first few minutes of meeting someone. You’d be surprised how easy it is to turn a stranger into an acquaintance by being cordial and considerate.

3. It’s often reciprocated

You get back what you put out into the world. Manners are no different. I’ve often found when I show respect to others, it’s reciprocated. Likewise, when someone gives me an attitude, I’m more likely to be short with them.

It’s best to start conversations on the right foot to avoid awkwardness in the long-run. The long-run doesn’t just refer to the next fifteen minutes either. People tend to remember terrible first impressions every time they see you.

So, don’t put yourself at a disadvantage by being remembered as the unpleasant woman from the dog groomers.

4. It’s contagious

We’ve all heard the expression paying it forward. When you’re polite to others and make them feel good, that person, in turn, will remember the positive feelings they had during your interaction.

Thus, when they go out and talk with a stranger, there’s a higher chance they’ll want to impart the same positive feelings as well on someone else.

Treating others the way we want to be treated is more than a memorable motto; it’s a way for us all to do our part to uplift society.

5. It’s a calling card

Showing respect to others and using polite terms helps you a lot in the distant future. People you encounter will share your reputation, and you’ll have an easier time when you go places like the Post Office or the grocery store.

Workers are happy to see you, help you, and you’ll typically have a better time at places with high volumes of foot traffic.

In this instance, your reputation of being pleasant will be beneficial as this distinction is valuable.

For a list of more common and needed manner practices read, 23 Old-Fashioned Etiquette Rules We Still Use Today and Why.

6. It’s polite

Courtesy seems rarer every day, but it doesn’t mean you should act according to the times on this front. When I experience people displaying manners, it shows me they care about others and themselves.

Being polite in speech and actions also broadcasts to the others you’re open, and they’re safe to converse with you.

People walk around in various states of unrest or turmoil all the time, internally fighting to get through the day. These individuals appreciate your politeness more than you’ll ever know.

“The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.” — Fred Astaire.

There’s a reason older generations complain about the politeness of the youth. The deterioration is noticeable, and this won’t change until everyone makes an effort to display better manners.

Maybe you want to improve your skills as a polite member of society but don’t know where to go beyond please and thank you. In this case, take a look at this article by Inc. to improve your skills.

Please don’t ever think that the value of being polite isn’t worth the effort — it always is.