Carrie and Danielle - Latest Comments in What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Elisabeth — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:37:10 -0000

I think my favorite is also giving compliments - commenting on something about someone that I admire, whether it's their boots or earrings or whatever. But I also like to give people a big smile and say thank you. :)

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Kim — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:06:47 -0000

I replace things that I see are depleted. Like, if I'm at work and I see that the paper towels are gone, I put a new roll in the holder, even if I'm not the one who took the last paper towel. If I take the last cup of coffee, I make a new pot. If I see the printer or copier is low on paper, I put more in for the person coming behind me. It takes so little time to leave the world (or your office) in a better state than you found it.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

DHayes — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:04:32 -0000

The courtesies I practice myself are holding the door for people coming behind me (rather than letting it slam shut in their face which I see happen more often than one might imagine) and letting people merge into traffic. Very small things admittedly. The one I love from other people is when a man puts his hand just at the small of my back and guides me through a crowded room. Its a move that requires finesse, not everyone can carry it off, but when done correctly it has such an air of old-worldly chivalry and makes me feel so treasured.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Scott424 — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:58:42 -0000

I like to talk with people in the service industry about how their day is going. I look them in the eye and say hello before ordering. I like to use their name if they're wearing a tag. It's amazing the positive responses I get from expressing warmth and humour to folks who can have some challenging days. I'm also a huge believer in 'the wave' while driving. If someone lets me in or does something considerate, I wave. Even if someone cuts me off and gives me a wave, it's so much more of a human interaction and therefore easier to understand. Bring on the wave.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Cobby — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:35:47 -0000

I love to handwrite letters to people. I love to write them to congratulate people, to thank people or to just encourage them. I have had more people tell me how much they appreciate, enjoy and feel lifted by getting a good old handwritten note on exquisite paper.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:56:29 -0000

Its too bad that most people automatically say "Good, thanks!". Like its a pretend conversation.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:55:22 -0000

Its important to remember to treat the people close to us with respect. Its often forgotten in the face of habit and comfort, but its true, we do need kindness and consideration. Being kind and considerate of each other behind closed doors is probably the purest form of kindness. Continuing to treat each other in such a way, well, it makes it more special.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:52:56 -0000

Don't be. Your heart's alliance is more important than theirs. I know that everyone on here appreciates the art of chivalry.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:50:27 -0000

So true. I hate letting that chance go by when they really ARE fabulous. Its like, who else is going to tell them right now!? Argh!

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:45:45 -0000

I love doing this. I adore giving gifts, especially precious little ones. Thoughtful and personalized or hand made things are the best.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:43:35 -0000

That's lovely. Many people are often quite abandoned when they're grieving, which usually is just not what they need. Being around to assist takes strength, but what you're giving is the best kind of support. The kind that is really, truly, needed, and not often given.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:41:53 -0000

Words aside, I think the best thankyous and your welcomes are given very consciously and seriously. Its nice to see a warm look on a person's face, like they really care! If you can tell it matters by the way they're saying it, its wonderful. It shouldn't be done like a passing comment, not when you really mean it.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Alison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:38:31 -0000

Is he single!?

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

leah — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:35:53 -0000

i try to look people in the eye and give them a small but sincere compliment.. also when i ask someone "how are you" it is a sincere question and i pay attention to the answer.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Lori_from_Texas — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:24:38 -0000

Oh No! This is me! Thanks for saying what you did about a wandering gaze. I am always taking in my surroundings and noticing and then I have to wrangle my focus back to the person I'm with. It does take a lot of effort, especially in a public setting like a restaurant to be disciplined about my gaze. If I'm with someone who does this, I usually follow their ADD rabbit trail and we circle back to whatever we were talking about, but. Again, thank you for giving me a new perspective.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

colleenoverman — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:18:24 -0000

I agree with Danielle, in that I make an effort to compliment women on how they look. It is such fun to look for what is beautiful in others. Though, probably my favorite form of courtesy is the "happy wave" given when someone lets me in or is a kind driver on the road. What sheer pleasure to give or receive the happy wave. Ridiculously fun.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

keiko — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:30:50 -0000

I'm a little shy about this stuff too, but when I do go beyond my self and pass along the complement, you know what? It really changes my day for the better too!

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Lori_from_Texas — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:28:48 -0000

Sorry, that should be, "I wave to express thanks to drivers who let me into their lane."

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

Lori_from_Texas — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:23:43 -0000

When someone is behind me in the grocery store check out line and they have just a handful of things, I let them go ahead of me. On the road, I wave express thanks to drivers who let me into their lane.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

jennifersage — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:07:38 -0000

Amy, I love what you say here and you are so right about the depth of authentic encounter when we walk respectfully over the bridge to be with anothers loss and pain. It is when we can be still and so present with all of our heart.

I guess it must have been something that happened quite naturally in smaller communities when people did not move around so much. Sitting here reflecting on what you have said. reminds me of the gesture seen in parts of Asia. Head slightly bowed. hands in prayer postiton pointing out ward. Recognising the spirit present in another. You are reaching out to the hurting soul of another. God Spirit in human form. Grace and peace be with you
Jennifer

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

laurie_matthews — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:55:39 -0000

It's the simple things that in our crazy world are easy to forget, but so meaningful. Saying hello, being cordial, giving people compliments when you notice something beautiful about them.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

storyteller — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:49:22 -0000

I try to give specific compliments. Instead of "you look great" or "great shirt" I try to keep it about the person, "that shirt sure brings out the green in your eyes, gorgeous" or "great mint in that salad". God is in the details.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

CarrieM — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:41:12 -0000

what a great idea! Thanks!

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

debbierodgers — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:38:32 -0000

I use an on-line service called Send Out Cards. I choose from their catalog
of over 13,000 cards (or make my own using my own photos),
type my
message, and they take care of the rest - printing, stuffing, addressing,
putting a stamp on it, and mailing it. All for less than the cost of a
store-bought card (even from the dollar store!)
You will be amazaed at the reaction that will you get from the people
in your life when you send unexpected, heartfelt cards.

Re: What is your favourite form of courtesy that you like to practice?

CarrieM — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:30:49 -0000

so very thoughtful Joe. I like to remember a desire someone casually mentioned and then give it on their birthday.