What is it with the lack of common sense and good manners?  There are ways to treat people to show respect. Respect? What’s that? Well, some people would know if they bothered to observe and listen to how people react with others.

I will tell you what it is not: two young men almost knocking me down to get ahead of me in a grocery line after another (polite) man who saw I had only 2 items and told me to go before him after a clerk opened a new line.  Well, rude dudes, y’all have made yourself appear totally without any regard for others and therefore, two ignorant buffoons with no social graces. No wonder girls your age won’t talk to you! You cannot even be nice to an old lady; how can you measure up to any other woman’s expectations? You can’t. So, get closer, I am going to teach you SOME GOOD MANNERS!

1. Let the woman, elderly person, or a person with a disability go first! Everyone knows that, and if one doesn’t, one is missing the whole point. Or not. It’s important to let everyone know that you have learned better social graces, not just the one you are attempting to impress. There are many others who will notice and think better of you:  potential employers, new friends, bank loan officers. See? You may be able to get a better job, impress new people or borrow more money if you show good manners while going about it. A win-win, wouldn’t you think? 

a. Any woman; a young pretty one, an old faded one, one who walks slow, or takes more time to pay for something. I promise you will feel better about yourself when you show some patience with others in public.

b. Anyone older than you? Step back and allow them to go ahead of you. Man or woman, you do not know their story. He or she may be distressed due to circumstances far worse than yours.    

2. Even with todays “anything goes” attitude toward what we wear, this one is difficult to deal with. After all, is it our right to tell someone else what to wear? It is if what they have on is offensive to others and yes, they need help.

a. Please do not wear your pajamas to Wal-Mart or any other public place.  It is not only bad manners to wear such intimate items in public, but realize that no one wants to be forced to look at you in your most intimate state of dress (or undress, if you will). We do not like seeing through your p.j.’s either!  Do you realize what impressions others have of you? You may think if doesn’t matter, but trust me, it does.  You are the brunt of jokes; just check out Facebook and you will see. They show the absolute worst of anyone who dares to go out in public in clothing that invites laughter and criticism and that could be you! 

b. One of my own pet peeves that shows bad manners is showing body parts that no one else wants to see. I am not impressed by your big old chest and your showing them is not really pretty; actually, it is pretty repulsive. Also, I don’t know about others, but to me, showing this body part shows a lack of confidence in one’s self. It says that you have nothing to offer except your body. As for me, I would rather people recognize me for my happy outlook on life, my kindness, and my faith in God. Wouldn’t you?

c. If one is dressed appropriately, this is the best way to impress a new employer, a potential girl friend or boyfriend, or anyone else whom you wish to think well of you. If you look like a clown, they see you as lazy, ignorant, and that you do not think much of yourself, to go out in public like this. I guess some people don’t care and see great satisfaction in making other stare at them in disgust…most of us will ignore you. If we don’t, we use words you do not want to hear, such as, “You did not get the job”, or “I won’t go out with you” or “hahaha, look at that!”

d. If your pants slide down while working (or any other time!) showing others what they do not wish to see, buy bigger pants!  Or wear overalls; anything to keep from showing this offensive part. You look like an oaf, showing such a private part of yourself. If you wish to appear more professional while working or just enjoying life, cover up this most unpleasant of sights!

There are many more offensive behaviors and ways to help people improve their manners that we can discuss, but only if I receive suggestions and ideas from readers. Tell me what your pet peeve is concerning good manners and other behaviors you wish to air and hopefully educate others to be their best. So, tell me:  What Burns Your Biscuits?

You can email me at burnsmybiscuit@gmail.com.

You are in my prayers,

E.J.