I work as a cashier in a gas station & get plenty of rude people (esp talking on cellphones) The other night I had a young man 18,19,20ish come to the register who was very indignant. He had held the door open for an older man & the man never said Thank You. The kid said if it had been him who didn't say Thank You, the older man probably would have blasted him for being rude & he's probably right I know the man the kid was talking about. He IS a rude son-of-a-gun. I don't blame the kid for being angry.

I can always tell when the kids who come into the station are in the military. It's always Yes maam, no maam. I don't like being called maam--it makes me feel old (I'm 68) but I appreciate that these kids are so polite.

BTW I mean no disrespect when I call them 'kids'. to me, they're all just babies.

Well said!

Brings back many memories . But saw one last week when out on a 2 wk fishing trip . We were sitting around talking abt 25 grownups ages 27-65 and small kids 1-12. when My Mom 83 & a Dear friend 78 came out of the camper both have problems with certain chair . But one Great great niece 5yrs old setting in a good chair jumps down said Grandma Johnnie here then turned around pinched her brother 12, said Aunt Mables need your chair. Their Dad just smiled .My Mom kissed & hug her Mable gave them a home made cookie. But MY FAMILY was raised w/ manners or else(you didn't want any part of else). Its still alive in lots of families .

I was asked to come to a Girl Scout meeting so that the girls could help me with the Christmas stockings for our soldiers. I didn't know any of the girls and was thrilled that they wanted to participate in this effort.
They really seemed to enjoy it.

When their parents came to pick them up, the girls showed off their stockings and left. Just left. Nine girls, nine parents - empty room. The Girl Scout Leader thanked me said that she hoped that I would come back again and teach them something else next year. Not a chance.

I agree that it crosses all ages. The other day we were going into the grocery store and this older man in a scooter was struggling to get in the door. My husband stopped and helped him through and he zoomed right on past, no "thank you" and missed hitting my two year old by a couple of inches in his haste. I was VERY put out about that.
Whereas, my two year old...if anyone sneezes ALWAYS says "Bless you" and when the reciever says "thank you" she responds with "your welcome." I would like to hope that we will raise thankful and polite children.
I agree that common decency isn't common any longer.

I remember it well from the three years I lived in Birmingham. Much of TX was this way, too. I do miss Southern manners.

Jan in VA

so sad
:-( , but so true......

I did the same thing when I taught----it was necessary!

I can only say, well said Hen3retta..............calla

We were taught that courtesy and good manners by our moms. So many children now are raised by so many different day cares,etc., I think they are very confused to say the least.
Sorry, but I think if you have children it is your obligation to raise them to have manners and common sense. Just my opinion....no offense intended.