Let's get something straight. This is not a man vs. woman; feminism issue in my mind. I am not old fashioned when it comes to women's rights. I think I am perfectly capable of doing everything a man can, and then some. But didn't that guy's parents teach him any manners? If there were a single dad standing next to me struggling with a baby and a toddler and I were by myself, I would have gotten up and given him my seat. And even if I had my kids... I would have made some effort to help him. I'd give my seat to an old lady or an old man. I would offer to move over.
I watched him. When his wife finally arrived, he didn't get up for her either. When the other couple they were meeting arrived he stayed seated. When his little buzzer deal went off, he got up.
I thought of saying something. I texted my husband about it. My text included some choice words. He texted back, "You should have said something." What was I going to say? I would have been the crazy hormonal woman and it wouldn't have made a bit of difference to him.
But what about manners? What about taking a look around you every once in a while? What about offering a helping hand? Are manners and just simple courtesy dead?
What a turd! I give up MY seat for elderly and other women, why wouldn't a man do the same!?
ReplyDeleteI've even had ladies give up their seats for me, since I'm 8 months pregnant.
I don't think it is a man vs woman thing either, I think it is just good manners to give up some room for someone that needs it more than you do. What a pity his mama didn't teach him better.
That's why we have to be sure to teach our kids manners! Too many generations have forgotten they exist!
ReplyDeleteI agree! People seem to have gotten more selfish these days. We have a difficult time at our apt. complex with people blocking our parking spot because their are too lazy too look for an open one. Bad manners indeed.
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating! People just come off as rude and selfish when they act like that. Of course, when I see someone actually move or get up for an elderly person or pregnant lady, I'm always taken off guard -- so sad that I have that reaction because it just doesn't happen that often!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that the other day at the Cheesecake Factory. A whole group of prom kids came in, and none of their dates opened the doors for them. They all walked feet in front of their dates, and just didn't act like it was a special occasion. Hopefully we can all raise our kids with manners, and how we treat women, elderly, and the like.....
ReplyDeleteA lot of people have not been taught manners. We are naturally selfish and self-centered but this fault must be overcome. My friend went to Starbucks recently with her stroke recovering and semi-handicapped husband, the person who finally got up and gave them her table was a woman who was obviously undergoing chemotherapy. She felt his pain and gave up her seat. We need to look around and notice others and be more giving.Come on folks let's be more sensitive to the needs of others.
ReplyDeleteThis is shocking to me. I would have given you my seat Aly! I hope manners aren't dead but agree that it feels like it sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI have been the recipient of some very good mannered people. After having twins I had so many people help me with doors, my stroller or in many other occassions where it was obvious that I just did not have enough hands or patience. Thank you to all of you who have helped me. Manners are not completely dead, but I think it is our responsiblity as parents to make sure manners don't die with our children so there will be at least someone willing to offer a helping hand, a seat, open a door or just be observant of a need.
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ReplyDeleteI ask my son (7) at least a few times a week if he was nice to the girls at school and held the door for them, etc. I always tell him that girls are special and that he should treat them all like his mom and sister.
ReplyDeleteManners really come from what you are taught by your parents...