Out on a stroll recently, I stepped through a narrow walkway leading to the neighborhood park and came face-to-face with a man with a large dog that woofed. “He usually doesn’t bark,” the man said, “you scared him.” Instead of giving me a moment to step past them, the man said, “We need to get by,” and pressed forward, bumping against me in a way I found rude. At least his dog didn’t jump on me. Good manners are essential for canines too.

Much as I love dogs, please don’t let your intensely, friendly pooch jump on me!

I miss good manners. Where did they go? I recall, as a child, being taught to respect adults. To treat everyone with civility, especially the disabled and elderly. To give up my seat for them in a crowded waiting room or on public transportation. What happened to common courtesy?

I realize we don’t live in a Jane Austen novel, but have you also noticed the degeneration of good manners? A simple “Thank you” and “You’re welcome” seem to be disappearing, not to mention responding to RSVP’s and sending Thank You notes—at least an email to let the gift-giver know the present arrived.

Yes, send out those Thank You notes!

If you’ve suffered an injury, you might have noticed the unlikeliness that someone will open a door for you. Have women inadvertently taught men it’s improper to open doors? When did men, other than the Amish, stop removing their hats indoors and while eating?

When I was young, our mother encouraged us to look our best when going downtown out of respect for other shoppers. Not long ago, I attended the opera, sitting in our front-row balcony seats, and found a man clad in Bermuda shorts next to me.

Why do many drivers transform into reckless maniacs behind the wheel? Cutting people off and not allowing folks to merge on the freeway. Excessive honking is illegal in the State of Washington, but I hear more horns than ever.

Should Amish buggies or vehicles have the right-of-way in Lancaster County?

I notice drivers texting and jabbering on their cell phones. Speaking of cell phones, what do you think about phone conversations and texting at the dinner table or in a restaurant?

Of all the improper etiquette or bad manners, which one do you find the most annoying?

Amish-made hand-quilted Star Pattern Table Runner from Lancaster County, PA.

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PS: Since I’m on vacation please forgive me for not replying to all comments.