Friday, January 22, 2010

No thank you....

I don't want to be a traitor to my generation and all but I just don't get what is going through our minds these days.  Have we forgotten what our parents so insistently and redundantly taught us?  How is it that we have consigned ourselves to oblivion in minding our P's and Q's?  What happened to the customary "please and thank yous?" When did it suddenly become acceptable to have a conversation (on a cell phone) in a public restroom?  When was it EVER admissible to "talk back" to any adult?  When  did chivalry die? When did we begin to let profanity slide into our everyday convos? When did we stop listening to the responses of the questions we asked?  I find it difficult to find sincerity in ones "Oh my goodness how have you been?" As they so eagerly read/answer a recently received text message (which as we all know can wait....it will STILL be there once you listen the answer you asked for) in the middle of your heart felt response.  When was it ever ok to have a conversation with someone on the phone while you are sitting at the dinner table, let alone text?  When did we stop listening to the live conversations that are happening in our midst and, instead, devote our undivided attention to electronic devices?  Please do not mistake my questions for hostility against cell phones or rude people...I'm just wondering when it all became socially copacetic.  Maybe I'm just jumpin' and thumpin' to the tune of my own melody, but I wish manners were still in style.  Maybe I'm spitting nonsense with my ideals to live in a world with manners, classy conduct, and polite behavior.  What was I thinking? 

13 comments:

stef j. said...

amen!!

wow. i LOVED this post...

i think i'm gonna try a cell free week...

or maybe i'll just start with one day. yah, a day. that's more realistic.

The Magalogo Family said...

I totally agree, I haven't had a cell phone since August and I am doing just fine :) Your post reminds me of my feelings with babies at movies theaters. I thought maybe I would understand why people do it after I had a baby. But I feel the exact same way. Get a babysitter or wait 4 months until it comes out on DVD. -Mo

Windthicket Fables said...

I totally agree! I have a cell phone (it's my only phone- no house phone) so I can't very well do without it for any real period of time. Communication is a must. Besides, it's not the cell phone's fault people are idiots.

Anyway- I totally agree. MANNERS!!!

Paige M. said...

I agree! It is really to the point of ridiculous. The world is way to dependent on those things and I think it is sad. I always think of our grandparents... they survived without them, and they know the real meaning of manners! Why can't people now a days figure it out.

Love it Jenilyn!

Unknown said...

when did people stop opening doors or forget to say thank you when you do it for them???????

Amy and Jeremy said...

Funny thing...I am vigilant about Kenyon saying, "Please" and "Thank you" and now anytime I thank him for doing something, he thanks me back:) I have never been a cell phone person...thank heaven we have them for emergencies, but I like to choose when to answer the phone and get back to people and sometime...I don't want anyone to get a hold of me no matter what:)

Marilyn said...

When did people start taking off their shoes at the movies and prop their feet over the seat in front of them? Also weren't they taught to throw away their garbage on the way out? Just wondering....

Adam and Brynn said...

Amen!!!! We have only ever had a cell phone for emergencies... and I'm happy to admit that I've never made a text in my life! :) hehe (nothing wrong w/ texts though; when people actually have manners while they do it that is).

Some people and their cells definitely drive me CRAZY. And what is more annoying is seeing little 8 year olds with their own Blackberries.... seriously people... come on!!! I wouldn't ever spend that much money on a phone for myself let alone a little kid.

Marilyn said...

I just have to add that my visiting teachers came yesterday and one of them took 3 calls. No. she doesn't have small children and she lives on the same street as me. For heaven sakes.... literally.

Lele said...

I totally agree with you Jenilyn!! What is this world coming too??

Unknown said...

Ugh. Just yesterday some lady was totally talking on the phone in the stall next to me. Ugh.

pammysua said...

Every mother should give her daughter the book on how to be a lady! When did it become ok to walk into a movie theatre after the movie started and call out to whoever is saving their seats and talk and laugh all the way to their spot!!

LiafromLaie said...

"When did chivalry die?" - I firmly believe it was in a massive decline with the feminist movement and died as soon as women decided to become nothing more than eye candy.

"When did we stop listening to the responses of the questions we asked?" I have become someone many people avoid because sometimes I force them to listen to me prattle on... if I'm in the mood to do so :D

Loved this post btw. Made me think :)