WILL B.

This may be hard to believe in this day and age but there are still a great many people who practice good manners, common courtesy and the rule of spreading happiness. I am not perfect, but I will do my best to follow these principles. I didn’t have the kind of parental structure that would teach these fundamentals or guidance in life; love was not shown in our house very often if at all. I don’t know if it was a conscious choice at first or just dumb luck that my parents first signed me up for Cub Scouts but once there, I started to find everything I was missing in a family structure and guidance.

I learned what it was to be a good person and strived to go about setting up my own core principals that would serve me well later in life - after I got done with being a rebellious troublemaker (which turns out it wouldn’t be till my mid 20’s, ha-ha!)

My dad had one rule, work or go to school, and as long as we didn’t interfere with his life, we were good most of the time. I won’t go into the physical or mental abuse my brothers and I went through - I have long ago given forgiveness and moved on.

Sometimes I think what I write about would help teens or kids, but I know at that age most don’t want to hear advice. I didn’t but would love to have had two parents who cared.

Back on point, I have a code I live by which includes manners, common courtesy and spreading a little happiness when possible. I take the extra time at intersections to make sure not to pull out in front of people. I hold the door; I smile at those I pass. I give kind words when possible. I don’t show up uninvited [with the exception of work-related matters]. I bring something to the host when invited to someone’s house for dinner. I say please and thank you. I come to the aid of strangers.

The list could go on but instead if I may suggest the book 50 Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Know by D. Bordelon or Just Good Manners: A Quintessential Guide to Courtesy, Charm, Grace, and Decorum- by William Hanson.

There are many of us who follow these guidelines strictly and we would never presume to invite ourselves to a gathering or to come sit at a table uninvited at events or functions - it’s just not good manners.

Living alone and being alone these days makes it a little more difficult to follow these rules when some days I really would love some company while eating or at an event, but I refuse to break my principles even in this season of my life.

I can’t speak for everyone who follows these rules of good manners and proper etiquette, but it is almost like having salt poured on a wound and later hearing someone say you should have stopped by, or you could have joined us.

No, I couldn’t, really. Have you taken the time lately to see if you have a friend or acquaintance recently single or widowed who might need an invite to a gathering or maybe a simple conversation?

It’s up to the host, hostess or event planner when taking on that responsibility to make sure those in their circle are invited and once invited taken care of - because they are under your charge at the engagement.

This is Will B saying, manners, common courtesy and smiles are free - use them with abundance.