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.
Leave a comment to enter to win this exquisite Amish-made hand–quilted Star Pattern Table Runner, (40” X 15”) made in Lancaster County, PA, plus one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! USA & Canada. Winner has one week to respond.
PS: Since I’m on vacation please forgive me for not replying to all comments.
My personal pet peeve is people who approach a counter with their cell phone to their ear, talking away, and expect to be waited on while they continue with their phone call!!!
I feel your pain, Connie! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I hate being late for appointments
Me too, Minta! I love being punctual, but hate it when I arrive on time and then must wait 30 minutes. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this contest. The runner is gorgeous and I LOVE Amish books!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck, Kathy!
Kate
I would love to win ~ thanks for the chance!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Patti! Good luck!
Kate
Beautiful, I would be honored if I were to win.
Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Nancy!
Kate
I would love to win this it’s beautiful.
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, Tammy!
Kate
You are so right on all these. The other day a man opened the door for me and I looked at him and said thank you. He smiled and said anytime. I told him it is rare that happens and as he said his momma taught him to open doors for others, as I have my sons. It’s only disappearing because children are not being taught manners. Same for all the others it has become a selfish world where people think of themselves. I myself try to hold doors or let others trough before myself. I love the little runner it is so cute, thanks for the chance to win, Have a Bless week!!
Blessings
Diana
joeym11(at)frontier(dot)com
Not a lot of good manners floating around these days, Diana! It is so refreshing when someone is helpful. That man’s mother would have been proud. Thanks so much for your terrific comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful. I would love to win. I so enjoy Amish made items.
Thanks for entering the give away, Christine! I love all things made by the Amish too.
Kate
It seems children are no longer being taught to respect adults..or perhaps adults have stopped setting the example.
Good point, Mary Beth! Far too many adults are not setting a good example for children anymore. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Unfortunately, good manners seem to have flown out the window today, adults and children alike.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment that sums it all up. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I hate it when family gets together and everyone is on the cell. I have a rule in my house,No cell phones at the dinner table
I try to maintain the same rule, Sherri! It’s a good one. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It beautiful
Glad you like it, Ruth! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a blessing, thanks for the opportunity to win this beautiful runner and book.
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, Angie! If you haven’t read one of my books I hope you get a chance to soon!
Kate
I enjoyed reading your blog I would love to win the beautiful table runner and Amish book.. I love reading . Thank you ! Have a great fall.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading the blog, Pam! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway. Hope you have a great fall too!
Kate
I think cell phone/texting has gotten out of hand! I have even told my daughters that if a young man can’t put his phone down to spend time with you then he isn’t the one for you and to not waste their time trying to spend time getting to know him!
Sage advice, Tracie! You sound like a great mom. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My pet peeve is people being late and thinking it’s ok. Love to win!!
When people are late on a regular basis, I have to wonder what their motive is. Constant tardiness must be more than a coincidence. Yes, it’s annoying. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Quite honestly im at great odds with all modes of bad and barn like lack of common sense and mismannered choices. In a world of Self and feelings based nonsense… We get what we dish.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Mary! Lack of common sense and bad choices abound. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thank you for this great contest. That runner is beautiful. Love reading and Amish books are my favorite genre. Have a Blessed Day.
Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway, Deb! Hope you have a blessed day too!
Kate
A lack of common courtesy has long been a pet peeve of mine. All it takes is a smile, “Hi, how are you”, excuse me, thank you, you’re welcome and so on. It isn’t that difficult! Have a nice day, everyone! 🙂
I agree with you, Mary! Those small acts of courtesy seem to be disappearing. They’re not so common anymore. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I never have my cell out when I am with others whether eating out or just together.
But so many do these days. Would love to win and thank you for the chance
pag1936@yahoo.com
My complaint is more general. People of all ages seem to be unaware of those about them – whether they need help, or just simply that you are in their way (e.g. grocery). It is a me- first attitude.
Yes, Diana, I notice the same general attitude, whether in the grocery store or behind the wheel! Not everyone, I’m glad to say. Many remain polite and thoughtful. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Rude Children and Teens!!! aggravate me to the maximum!!! Screaming children in a public store or restaurant (unless it is genuine distress)!
Screaming children in a store or restaurant is distressful for everyone, Connie! I realize some parents have no other option but to take their kids to the grocery store … but a park where they can run around and have fun seems a better choice. For some unknown reason I find most teenagers cute. Thanks for writing!
Kate
I would love to know where I could purchase a runner like this. I hate people on phones at checkouts. Awful
I agree with you, Lillie! I have a tough time with people jabbering into their phones it checkouts. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to teach my younger gran-babies manners like the old ones taught us but that is all you can do. This old world teaches them other ways. If Mom’s and Dads would get off their backsides and start teaching their children at home how to respect everyone you may see young people being nice to others. But if they don’t see it at home then they will be like the world.
You’re right, Barbara! Parents and older siblings are the major influencers for young children, before they go to school … Also, choosing child-appropriate TV shows and movies. No TV is an option. Eventually parents lose most influence unless they’ve built a strong foundation. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
morals in today’s society have been trampled all over . What used to be a pleasant thank you and your welcome is almost non existent anymore . Technology has dulled the mind. And please I would love to win the runner and or the book. Thank you and God Bless
I agree, Barbara, that in general morals in our society are decaying. Although many still cling to good morality. Thanks for entering the giveaway and God bless you!
Kate
Beautiful! Would love to win!! Thank you!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Marsha! Good luck!
Kate
Kate Lloyd I haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of your books. I love reading about the amish. I have had the pleasure of meeting Beverly Lewis and I love her books. I would love to win your book and read your stories I know they would just as great as hers. The runner is beautiful. The amish is so talented. Hope I win. Thanks
I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon, Carolyn! What fun to meet fabulous author Beverly Lewis. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
After these Past few days have been for me which hasn’t been geeat at all. It would be a great if I Won this beautiful quilt runner. It would make my whole week. Thank you for doing this for your readers.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Tammy! Wishing you the best of luck!
Kate
Beautiful work on the runner, Amish books are one of my favorite, and Kate I have read most of your books, and would just love to win. I am part of a church group that we read and pass books, and would love to include this one. Thanks
I’m glad you like the runner, Darla! I’d love you to include one of my books in your church group. A great idea to pass books around. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Luckily I still have a husband that opens door for me and removes his hat when he comes in . We have a no cell phone rule at our house and so do my daughters. Always fun to listen to everyone. talk about their day.
Your husband sounds like a gem, Lora! Great house-rules!
Kate
What a beautiful table runner. thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Myrtle!
Kate
I hate when people sit next to you and speak in a different language. It always makes me sad that they could be talking about someone right there. Because someone might understand what they are saying and that could be very hurtful.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Debra! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am at a loss and saddened by the lack of morals, values, respect and self worth in today’s society.
Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway, Terri! I hope we are at a low and not still sinking …
Kate
would love to win this table runner and it is sad that a lot of families eat on the go and never set down to eat all together except maybe on sundays then it is in front of the tv watching sports the table runner reminds me of my parents home where everyone set together and talked together to each other
A very good point, Pam! Eating and speaking together (no TV in background) is so important, especially for children. Husbands and wives needed too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate, What a beautiful table runner. I love the colors in it. I love everything about the Amish. Have never been to Lancaster,but hope to some day. We go to Holmes County quite frequently. Could live there real easy. It is so peaceful and love the slower pace of life. Enjoy talking to and learning about the Amish way of life. It is quite facinating. Would love to be the winner of your contest and thank you for this chance of letting us al have a chance to win. God Bless!
Thank you for your lovely comment, Rhonda! How wonderful that you visit Holmes County often. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Lack of many manners irritate me but one of the worst is lack of a simple please and thank you (and excuse me!). I work with children and find myself nicely correcting them to say please before I pass them what they just demanded. When did we start letting everyone think they deserve everything without any responsibility, even common curtesy attached!?!
We all owe a debt of gratitude to people like you, who work with children and help teach them good manners, Abigail! A librarian friend told me he requests a “please” when a child wants something. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Can I skip leaviing a comment about what bothers me? I am trying very hard not to concentrate on others’ poor behavior because it ruins my day. I’m weird like that. Nevertheless, I would love to be entered in the contest. Thank you for the opportunity. And if I do win, I’ll be sure to, at the minimum, send an email saying I received it.
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering to give away, Stephanie! Good for you for concentrating on the positive!
Kate
I don’t like when you see someone’s butt hanging out, or their boobs.
I agree, Kathy, and prefer people cover up. It bothers me that even female newscasters show cleavage. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Someone checking a cell phone while talking to you – how rude!
Rude times ten, Rachel! Thanks for leaving your comment in entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win.
I was raised to have manners as well.
Thanks for your comment, Sara! Life is so much more pleasant for us and others when we are raised with manners. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My biggest manners pet peeve is how old people are often treated. I was taught to be polite no matter the circumstance with an elder. You can disagree with your elder without being rude and disrespectful.
I so enjoy your books, and your blog. God bless!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Donna! In some countries age is actually revered, but we know it’s not here. Ours is a culture of wanna-be young and beautiful. God bless you and good luck!
Kate
I use a walker, and when I get to a door, it is more often than not, an older person who opens the door for me. I never forget to say thank you. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of your books, and would be very happy to win either the book or the table runner. It is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for allowing us to have the chance to win one of these prizes.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Marilyn! Years ago, when I injured my wrist and wore a brace, often an older person opened the door for me. Sometimes I would just stand at the door and wait … Since you haven’t read one of my books, you’d make a perfect winner to this giveaway! I hope you get a chance to read one soon.
Kate
I would live to win a signed book and the table runner!
One of my pet peeves is couples sitting in a restaurant and too busy on their phones to have conversation with each other. I tell my husband, I don’t want to be like that couple!
Thanks for leaving your comment, Kimberly! I would not want to be that couple either. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t like it when people do not show respect for others.
Thanks for writing, Jan! Respect for others is essential. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I walk with a cane and use an electric cart in any store that has them. I get annoyed when people look at me and then walk right in front of me or purposely give me a look when I say excuse me to get around them. I also resent that many non handicapped people park in handicapped spots when parking. You can’t always see a handicap but spouses and friends use them for convenience. Looking forward to useing the runner in my cabin.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Alberta! I actually entered a small store and asked who was using the handicap spot, as I noticed the one young customer did not seemed in perfect health. Don’t even get me going on horrific grocery store etiquette or I’ll write another post. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love this quilted table runner. I’d love to win this thanks for the opportunity to win this.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jenny!
Kate
Hi Mrs. Kate, I hope this finds you well! I totally agree with you. I am 68 yrs old and , I was to say yes and no sir and mamn to my elders. I think men should open doors in stores or cars for ladies or older people. The dress code for most stink!
Cell phones are useful, of course , I have one but there is a place and time for them, hung down the highway is not one of them , nor is in a group of people or at the dinner table! I think gentlemen should always remove their hats in public places, restrauants,excuse the spelling,, church, prayers . I believe the Amish deserve the right to drive on public roads as well as people with cars.honestly , I think manners are a lost art. I would love to win this lovely runner and trilogy book , but I’m with you, I think manners should be brought back. Maybe they should start teaching them in schools , since what is being taught, or rather a lot of it is garbage!.Thanks so much for letting me vent!
Your vent is all valid, Linda! Thanks for taking the time to write and enter my giveaway!
Kate
Please excuse the wording of my text, as it looks as though , I can’t write. My phone , with it’s letters , make their own words, sorry folks, I think most of you get the jest of what , I am trying to say.
Kids bullying and their parents no but choose to do nothing.
Bullying is so hurtful and can change a child’s life, Susan. Years ago, after my children had mentioned a bully, I walked up to the park to meet them and chased that bigger kid down. Was he surprised when I told him that now I knew who he was and would go to his parents home and complain if he ever bothered my children again, which never happened. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We like to be on time and wish others would also be on time.
We love to be on time too, Linda! Thanks for entering the giveaway and please excuse me for my tardy reply.
Kate