Five Minute Friday: Polite

 

Five Minute Friday is a weekly link-up hosted by Kate. She provides a word, I set a timer, and write for 5 minutes. No editing, no deep thinking...just spur of the moment, whatever pops in my head writing. This week's prompt: POLITE

My parents taught me the importance of being polite and respectful to everyone, even to people I didn't necessarily care for. It amazes me how many people are so impolite in our society today. Just a simple "thank you" or "excuse me" would be nice. I have to admit, sometimes I'm guilty of saying "excuse me" to the person who bumps into me. The worst is when I'm standing in line, and someone has to go across the line to get to the other side. Would it kill them to say "excuse me"?

Etiquette has definitely gone out the window. Entitlement has taken its place. How did this happen? After watching a couple of my nephews always answer with "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am", I knew that's how I wanted to raise my boys. It's just respectful instead of saying "yeah" or "nah". We've raised a generation that is all about themselves, not others. 

I think it all goes back to this: God isn't in the schools or many homes. I do have to say this: I worked in public schools in the Southeastern United States for a total of 37 years. 3 states, 6 school systems. I felt as though, in each school, I was able to speak freely about my faith. Everyone knew I was Catholic; some even asked me questions about my religion and my beliefs. In my opinion, if the kids knew Jesus, they'd be more polite to others.

Five minutes? Easy peasy!