Manner discussion

P's and Q's are just forms of respect to acknowledge other people's feelings or situations as you stated. Though I agree with you on the fundamental worthiness of 'please' I still believe thank you's are in order for situations that warent it. It's polite, as does 'excuse me'. I agree that the words can be used as a blatant 'fuck you' at times, but for the most part they are just a way to be nice. Is that so bad?

It's all about tone and intention. And yes, we use them to show respect.

P's and Q's are just forms of respect to acknowledge other people's feelings or situations as you stated. Though I agree with you on the fundamental worthiness of 'please' I still believe thank you's are in order for situations that warent it. It's polite, as does 'excuse me'. I agree that the words can be used as a blatant 'fuck you' at times, but for the most part they are just a way to be nice. Is that so bad?

No, in fact it should be used. That it can be used for different purposes isn't interesting at all. If you ask somebody for something you say please, and if you get something you say thank you. It's basic respect, and the very least people can do when talking to others.

Manners are just one more thing that I think a lot of society has lost, and we're not the better because of it. I think, more than anything, it's acknowledgment. That is to say, it's a trade-off. I open the door for someone, I expect them to say thank you...or some such thing. Today I was biking across the road at a stop light...a van had pulled a little too far ahead, and he backed up for me. He didn't 'have' to. I could have gone around him easily enough...but he made the effort, and I thanked him for it with a wave of my hand.

I'd rather leave him with that impression, than of a negative alternative. The more people we put in a bad mood means more people those people are going to put in a bad mood until someone finally puts the WRONG person in a bad mood and that person shoots someone because he didn't show up for the McDonald's breakfast two minutes earlier.

Negativity breeds negativity.

Is that a reference to what I think it is!? You made my day.

You don't have my thanks; I still stand by what your meaning/intent is, is more important than
what you actually say. That means more to me than empty words, at least.

Is that a reference to what I think it is!? You made my day.

It wasn't when I said it...but now that you've mentioned it I suppose I could give a ref credit to Michael Douglas. ;)

Well, what about the people that actually mean it when they say it? Personally, if I don't mean it...I probably wouldn't say it. But if someone had just done something that warranted it...well, why wouldn't I mean it? :unsure:

It's the little things like holding a door, letting another car go before you if there's a lot of traffic if they can't get out, stopping so people can cross (even when not at a crosswalk) that just seem 'correct' to me. Maybe parts of me feel that if I do it for someone, when the time comes they might do it for someone else. (that has happened to me before as well)

Manners are just simple gestures that keep things running more smoothly for everyone. It's that basic extension of 'treat unto others' thing because one day you'll be on the recieving side.

it moght be that small thing of asking for potatoes and saying please, but on the bigger note as Skwid mentioned it may determine even life or death. I have found myself in a murderous mood because of little things piling up through the day.

What worries me is the look of suprise when I do some basic act of doing someting for somebody, like they don't know how to react. I hold a door, they can't comprehend it's for them or I stop, they can't comprehend to GO (thats why I stopped isn't it?)

Why don't people expect common courtisy anymore, not just thank for it?

I get thanked more for doing piddily stupid shit that I don't even see worthy of thanks than for big tasks.

Odd, really...you mentioned 'expectation'. I find that those who don't expect it are usually the most grateful, while those that do usually won't give you the time of day.

Those are the people I like to hold the door open...half way...on the way back out. ;)

I always like to stop and tie my shoelaces when somebody opens the door for me, it's really funny people don't know what to do. Close the door and leave or keep holding it open?

Then when they finally let it close jump up and walk against the door get pissed and ask them why they did that... Funny times :)

I always like to stop and tie my shoelaces when somebody opens the door for me, it's really funny people don't know what to do. Close the door and leave or keep holding it open?

Then when they finally let it close jump up and walk against the door get pissed and ask them why they did that... Funny times :)

Annoying Americans and their love to pull pranks and cause the world pain. <_<

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Anyway, just wanted to state that now that I have looked back at my angst here and realized
that a more clear way of explaining what I meant would be to say that I dislike politeness.

And by that I do not mean be an extra-nasty bitch to those nice baby-handed fucker in suits
whose paychecks overshadow yours... instead, I mean do not be fake and just be true... or
better yet, be emotionless.

I am still not expressing it well enough, I think. Example: saying "excuse me" after belching.
Okay Billy, we understand you could not hold it in and we are thankful you did not try making the
loudest noise possible with it, but it is not necessary to say anything more about it. Just continue
sipping away at that pop soda. We wont slice your throat if you do not demand for an excuse.