You know one of the interesting things about doing a blog is the reaction you get or the lack of same, but that's another post.
My recent rant, okay it was a bitch-fest, to begin a campaign for, well, just being nice brings us this endorsement from British-Brian.
Dare we say it? It's all about...manners, if you need to get all technical.
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Contributed by, Brian Wilson
United Kingdom
All rights reserved and copyrighted.
Some thoughts on your "free me from" list.
I know it does not sound British - but here's a "high five" for your comments - let's hope you can get a campaign going here.
I may sound like a grumbling old man, but: -
What about children who run around supermarkets (usually screaming their heads off).
Then, to cap it all, if you are holding a shopping basket and the child runs into it, hurting itself - the parents blames you!
Now, let's turn to those who walk more than 2 a breast along a footpath (sorry; sidewalk!).
Just look straight at them and with your body language make it clear you are not going to move.
I find that a well meant. "thank you," when they move over, can be much appreciated.
But. oh my - what about bicycles?
In the UK you are not allowed to ride your bike on the pavement/sidewalk.
So, when I a cyclist riding on the pavement ands there are lots of pedestrians, I simply ask them to ride on the road.
I still open doors for others coming through - especially if they are laden down with lots of items - especially ladies of any age.
But, I have been berated by some females who claim I only do this "cause they are female and I'm being sexist" - I respond by saying "OH no it is not because you are a lady, it is because I'm a gentlemen!!"
However, there are so many people who must have servants at home - for when you hold a door open, they glide through without any word!!
The best response here is to say, in a loud voice, "THANK YOU" in their direction - it is amazing what guilty looks they return.
What does all this boil down to - "Good Manners."
We live in a crowded society, so we need 'rules" so we can live so close together.
Thinking of others.
Appreciating what others do.
Just having good manners.
It all starts in the home and the family.
Schools should underpin these attitudes - but all to often they do not.
However - do not assume things were better "when I was a child."
Many years ago - in 1964 when i was at University, we went to a conference about "youth."
Speaker after speaker came out with usual moans about the young - you know, sex, etc.
We were getting a bit 'brassed off" until one speaker started let me read you the outcomes of some research I have just come across. The youth of today have low morals, are too noisy, do not respect their parents, etc, etc.
The speaker then asked for a vote of hands as to how many people agreed with this.
Nearly every hand went up.
Then the speaker said, "Oh, I forgot to tell you, this was research carried out in 1922 - they were talking about you!!!!"
We cheered - the rest of the audience were stunned into silence!
Love to all.
Brian Wilson
brian@europaassociates.co.uk
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Kids, I am now officially referring to all sidewalks as footpaths! Oh, yeah.
Gotta hit Facebook and start a page with what sort of name? Be Nice or Go Away (that's nice, huh?), Be Nice You Rude-Ass? Well, it needs some work.
See ya 'round the beaches-real or virtual.
Read me fictionally, The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches, available at Barnes & Noble, eBooks.
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