Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.
~ Emily Post
In 1987 my in-laws took their children and spouses on a 17-day trip to Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Turkey and Greece. To say it was fairly spectacular would be an understatement. Each day featured new ancient wonders and landscapes where events from the Bible took place. I lost track of the number of times I told them thank-you, and commented to my mother-in-law she was probably tired of hearing this. She assured me that hearing “thank you” never gets old.
She was right. All of us enjoy being appreciated. Showing gratitude is always a thoughtful and welcome gesture. Displaying consideration and respect for others with good manners is always the right thing to do. In teaching a Pharisee an important lesson on love, gratitude and forgiveness, Jesus contrasted his host’s rude behavior with that of a sinful woman. He said to Simon:
Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give my any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven -- for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.
~ Luke 7:44-47
Jesus understood that not even offering the minimal gesture of hospitality was symptomatic of a deeper problem. It still is. As the Lord’s representatives, we need to be known for gratitude, kindness and showing respect for others. When someone is thoughtful, thank them. When a driver lets you enter traffic in front of them, give them a wave of acknowledgement. When you fly the friendly skies --well, let Mitch Albom offer a few suggestions:
First, when you get on the plane, walk down the aisle with your carry-on luggage in front of you, not behind you. Behind you, you knock over drinks, bags, and small elderly people.
And when you finally sit down, think before you slam your seat back into the person behind you. Breaking kneecaps is for gangster movies.
Feet. As in bare feet. Don’t do it. Maybe at home you like to rip off your socks and plant your naked toes wherever you like, but not on a plane, okay? This isn’t a nail salon. I recently sat next to a woman who stuck her bare, sweaty feet on the cabin wall! Please. Unless you’re Spider-Man and about to walk upside down, keep the shoes on, all right? It’s smelly enough in the cabin.
Which brings us to food. Yes, I know you’re lucky to get a cornflake on an airplane today, but if you must bring food on board, consider the odor. Fried onions will not stop smelling at 23D.
Kids. Let’s talk about kids. Kids love airplanes. Many can’t believe they have a seat in front of them they can kick all flight long, while Mom and Dad watch the movie. Please. Tell them to stop.
If you need to use your cellphone on the tarmac, please remember there are people inches away from you. They really don’t want to hear about Uncle Seymour’s kidney problem. And if you fall asleep, try not to do so on the person next to you.
A kinder and gentler world begins with you and me.
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