There is this beautiful verse in the Bible that goes like this: "Train up a child in the way he should grow, and when he is older, he will not depart from it."
It is sad to say that many have departed from the good trainings they were given and so many are not even ready to be trained again. Sometimes, I wonder if its because of the ever-changing world and modernization. I thought with modernization, things should get better, but it seems things have gotten worse. It is now a trend to see people say, "Leave me and my bad character." A lot of people are now proud to have bad character and are happy to show it off.
Etiquette is a set of conventional rules and customs that govern social behavior and interactions in a polite and considerate manner. It encompasses the appropriate conduct and manners expected in various situations, ensuring respect, consideration, and courtesy among individuals. Its so sad that some people—in fact, many people—don't have a set rule or a set principle guiding them. All they are just after is, "I will live my life the way I want, and no one can control you."
The fact that no one can control you should tell you that you need to control yourself and behaviors.
I wonder how boys and girls will get to a certain age and lose the respect and training they have been given. Is it the society or peer pressure, or did the parent not train them well enough? Which one is it?
What are the key aspect of Etiquette?
The first one is respect. In my culture, it is a norm that everyone who is older should receive some level of respect. You don't have to know them before you show respect, and I believe that's how it was meant to be. Respecting people, either older or younger than you. It shows how good-mannered you are.
The next is courtesy, which is the display of politeness and good manners in interactions. If you want to ask something from someone, use the five magic words: "Please, Excuse, Sorry, Thank You, Pardon Me." Those are the five magic words; let them be used in the right manner. It will save you from many embarrassing situations.
We also have, consideration, which means being mindful of others’ needs and comfort. You are not omnipotent; everything should come to you. If you are not mindful of other people, then you will always get on their bad side. In fact, it is believed that only psychopaths are not mindful of others needs.
Finally, cultural awareness. Understanding and respecting the customs and traditions of our culture. Different cultures have different etiquette, and if we are not accustomed to them, then everything we do will be viewed in a bad manner. We all know the do's and don'ts of our culture; they are more like an unwritten constitution.
There is a reason why I don't like getting too close to younger girls who are just going through their teen years. There was this young lady who was blossoming, but it never crossed my mind that I was being too nice to her. In my culture, you don't call elderly people by their names; you either add "uncle or brother." its just a sign of respect. The young lady who has been calling me brother Fash just called me by my name. At first, I thought it was a mistake in her memory settings, but she did it again.
I had to call her to it: "Just because guys my age are asking you out because your blossoming doesn't mean you should disrespect all their age mates." After warning her, she never did that again and started avoiding me, which I am happy for. Once it starts, others in her age group will also disrespect me.
The truth is that, if we don't correct some young ones who try going against the good ethics that they have learned, they would get worse.
Thanks for reading. I hope you learn something from this and become a better person.
All images are mine.