The Do’s and Don’ts of Daily Human Etiquette “Be Kind to One Another!”

Talk Show Host Ellen DeGeneres has a tag line she repeats at the end of every show; “Be Kind to one Another.” It is a simple yet important statement from this popular celebrity. We ALL need to think about our actions toward others who we come in contact with. WE all have the ability to choose kindness. One person can make a difference but if everyone chose this approach, the world would be a better place.

Simple human behaviors are dwindling away. We are becoming a much more self-absorbed society. We have less regard for others around us. This has to change. We can start by bringing back the little things we have all forgotten about. The computer age has made us retreat from “face to face” connections. We need to remember how to interact with each other with kindness.

I want to end this post on a positive note so I will start with The Etiquette Don’ts first:

1. Be aware of who is around you and respect their space! This should be a given but it is amazing how many people do not look behind them when they attend an event or any outing at all.  They stand in front of someone who was there before them or barge into lineups. Wait your turn!
2. Driving your car: Do not turn left at the last minute. Do not drive in the fast lane at a slow pace. Don’t pick your nose while driving, sorry I had to say this. Don’t tailgate other drivers due to road rage. Do not pull past the stop sign so your car is hanging out in oncoming traffic! Let people merge in once in awhile, don’t speed up so they can’t get in.
3. Dog Owners: Do not tie your dog up outside ANY establishment and let them bark. There is no need for a dog to bark continuously if they are trained properly. That said, get them trained. Pick up your dog’s poop! If your dog is unpredictable, put a muzzle on them in public. This will protect people and other dogs they come in contact with. Do not leave them shut in condos or houses barking all day. Get a dog walker or bark collar. Your neighbours shouldn’t have to listen to it. Your dog is in distress so do something about it as a good owner should.
4. Do not shut a door in someone’s face. Help people who are trying to get through a door with their hands full. Who ever gets to the door first; hold it for the person behind you! I can’t tell you how many young kids today don’t even look behind them.
5. Manners need to be addressed: Reply to any invite you receive! Don’t be late for anything without proper notice to who you are meeting. Do not bail on people at the last minute. Do not leave them hanging. It’s not all about you. Never go to someone’s house for dinner or party empty handed. Follow up every invite with a thank you email or phone call. Don’t say you will attend something and then not show up. This includes a wedding! It is shocking how many people do this!
6. Pedestrians: Cars are bigger than you! They have the right away. Follow the walk signs and do not start walking when it says not to. This blocks traffic and causes jams because the cars can’t get through.
7. Do not take up space meant for two or more people. This applies in confined areas like a sauna, yoga studio, movie theater, or a crowded coffee shop. Sitting at a table for 6 when you are alone is selfish. Invite others to sit with you if that is the only spot left.
8. Don’t be one of those neighbors! Be friendly and control the noise levels of stereos, kids, or pets on balconies or backyards. Avoid making noise too early in the morning. Also, avoid loudly talking late at night in the hallways of condos or hotels. If you’re planning a party let them know ahead of time and maybe invite them to attend it.
9. Don’t expect your colleagues to work harder than you for the same salary. Calling in sick or being late on a regular basis puts more stress on everyone at the office.
10. Don’t take your friends, family or loved ones for granted! Nurture these special relationships on a daily basis.

The Do’s of Daily Human Etiquette:

1. Smile and say hi to people you pass on the street. Greet those you sit near at a restaurant. Say hi to people at any event you attend.
2. Be happy for others who achieve their goals or milestones and acknowledge them. Being around others who are ambitious and positive is contagious!
3. Be kind to others. Say or do something nice to someone everyday! It not only makes them feel good it makes you feel good to see them smile and appreciate your gesture.
4. Help people feel comfortable when they are new to a situation.
5. Be aware of people with special needs. Smile, make eye contact with them and help them if you can see they need assistance.
6. Don’t be afraid to speak up and protect someone who is being treated badly by another person. The same thing applies if you feel you are being disrespected. We can all be teachers in the simplest ways. Use a diplomatic approach and make them think about what they did.
7. Spare some time to be of service to a charity or group environment that needs help. Paying it forward is a wonderful thing. Get others involved by making them aware of how rewarding it is.
8. Always remember where you came from regardless of how successful you are. Treat people well and never forget that life throws curveballs to everyone. We all need a mentor or someone who believes in us and gives us a chance.
9. Respect your elders! They are not invisible and should never be treated as so. Older generations paved the way for our freedom so always be thankful for their sacrifices. Take the time to talk to seniors whenever possible. Some of them do not have family and many of their friends have passed on. They can be very lonely.
10. Everyone has insecurities. Rather than be jealous of someone you think has everything, be aware that they also have “stuff” that isn’t perfect. Assumptions are dangerous and keep a person in a narrow minded place. Stay positive. Remove yourself from negative scenarios. This approach will keep you focused on the good things life has to offer.

“Treat each other how you want to be treated” is an old but fabulous cliché. It is very wise and needs to be practiced on a regular basis. We are forgetting how to be supportive to others and spending too much time worrying about our own survival.

The world is changing and the need for power in many Countries is very overwhelming. We all need to fight back even in the smallest ways, to keep humanity in a respectable place. We also need to respect beautiful planet and be grateful for our time here. If everyone puts in a little effort every day, we can change the attitude of people around the world. However, we need everyone to do their part. Don’t ignore it; be proactive and make a difference.

As the song says: What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love 1965 popular song with lyrics by Hal David and music composed by Burt Bacharach

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love…No not just for some but for everyone!”

Susan McCord @ Dear Sybersue Talk Show