Acts of respect and good manners are often considered outdated by many of our contemporaries, something more fitting for the 19th century.
Helping someone, holding a door open, standing up at a table when a woman gets up, greeting others, speaking without throwing insults around, listening when someone talks, offering constructive feedback privately instead of publicly on social media—these are examples of behaviors rooted more in civilization than in antiquation. I know that our modern reality often overwhelms us with daily displays of rudeness, shouting, inappropriate jokes, and crudeness, but there are still exceptions. Here’s an example of such an exception.
Recently, I went to lunch with a client. At one point, he said to me, “Please excuse me, I’ll be back in a minute,” then stood up and went toward the door. There, he assisted a young man who was trying to enter. This man was on crutches, coming to meet someone at the restaurant. My client returned, apologized again, and we continued our conversation.
I was delighted to see that there are still people who are attentive to those around them, who instinctively offer a helping hand. Oh, I forgot to mention that when we arrived at the restaurant, I learned that I had parked in a spot that wasn’t appropriate, and I needed to move my car. Calmly, my client asked for the key and went to move it himself.
Why does this behavior pleasantly surprise me? Because it’s no longer something I’m used to seeing; it’s generally the exception to what I frequently observe around me. Many have told me that if I want something, I need to ask for it. Otherwise, I shouldn’t have expectations. So, if I want someone to be polite, if I want them not to raise their voice, I should ask! As if impoliteness, disrespect, and lack of delicacy are the norm, and exceptional behavior must be requested.
Reflecting on my example, when I witness such initiatives, I think there are still remnants of good manners, elegance, empathy, compassion, and care. There is still some hope that we are not condemned to be alone in an illusory world.
