Manner will Always Matter

Are good old fashion Southern manners going away? The NY Times seems to think so. According to an article found HERE. Although the article was interesting, I refuse to believe it. I think manners will always matter and I am raising my kids with that in mind. Saying "yes, please" and "no, thank you", waiting until everyone is seated before begining a meal, writing a thank you note, standing when a lady leaves the table, and a hundred other small things are what matter. They may seem like an outdated way of behaving but I think how you present yourself and how you treat others is important. The overall mood of the country and the anger I see only serve to reinforce that. Manners and civility are the better course rather than ranting and raving. It's not always easy to do but it always pays off, at least in my experience. I'm going to give you a specific example from my professional life. Two years ago the manager that hired me left for another position and I was shunted about the department and had staff added, then realigned. It was not a good experience. I was always polite and helpful and never refused to do what I was asked. Although it seems like I should have been more angry and forceful the utlimate response was a new manager and a great review commending my positive attitude and grace under a less than ideal situation. Are manners on the way out? Not in my household!