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.
This is beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win. Enjoy your vacation!
Good luck in the giveaway, Donna!
Kate
Many people don’t use good manners anymore. Would love to win
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Dorothy!
Kate
What I find the most annoying is when a person is texting someone else while you’re trying to have a conversation with that person. Can’t believe some people seem to value a conversation by text messages over a face to face conversation…
I agree with you, Melody! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Some of the younger generation doesn’t have any respect for their parents or anyone. So sad…. Welcome to our future generation. Keep praying 🙂
You’re right, Carla! Some of the younger generation don’t respect anyone, even the police. But when they are in trouble, I’ll bet they dial 911 pronto. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to have the table runner! Books are always welcome.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Beverly! Good luck!
Kate
Love to read and quilt. Would be happy to be the winner.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Marilyn! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
Manners, what are they? Terrible that some don’t have any!
Would love to win, love this…
Thanks for the opportunity
Manners do seem to be a dying breed, Cherie! It’s so refreshing when I spend time with well mannered people. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful table runner. Love it. Why is it that well mannered people can lose their good manners when driving.
A very good question, Anne! Because they’re surrounded by metal and have tinted windows they don’t need to treat others with respect? Thanks for leaving your comment!
Kate
I wish more people had & used manners, morals, & values. It would change how people treated each other. We can learn from older folks & should spend time with them. Love your blog & your stories.
Thanks so much for your comment, Emily! I enjoy spending time with older people too, because of their wisdom and the stories they share. I’m glad you enjoy my blog posts! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this it would look lovely on my kitchen table
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Lisa!
Kate
People at the dinner table or at a restaurant all on their phones is very annoying. Why can’t people talk to each other?
I agree with you, Emilie! Why bother to go to a restaurant or sit down at the dinner table if a person is going to be on their phone? In this case, multi-tasking doesn’t work and is downright rude. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I was raised to have good manners and to respect my elders. I was also brought up in church and I love our Lord…There is an AMISH COMMUNITY a few miles from where I live. I dearly love those people. They are my friends. I love visiting with them and buying fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods and many oth er products from them. I enjoy talking with them and they are in my prayers. I read every Amish book I can find because they are so interesting and I learn so much about them…. I would love to win that beautiful table runner and book. Whether or not I win God bless you. I would love to be your Facebook friend.
Thanks for leaving your terrific comment, Reathel! I have learned so much and enjoy my Amish friends too! Priceless. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think both are just plain rude, Kate. And I have no idea why, but people seem to speak louder on their cellphones than in regular conversation. Love the beautiful table runner, by the way.
cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
I’ve noticed the same thing, Carole! People speak more loudly into their cell phones … so we get to hear them, like it or not. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I just brought this up at work the other day…back in the ‘olden’ days we didn’t have cell phones, we could go all day without a phone on our ear. If we were out and about, we got along fine without constant texts, messages and phone calls. We didn’t even have an answering machine for our home phone…if someone needed to talk to you, they would eventually find a way to get in touch. I don’t like seeing drivers on their cells or texting…makes me nervous. And, as far as at the dinner table…put the phone away…it can wait!
Thank you for the chance at this wonderful giveaway!
Thank you for leaving your insightful comment, Linda! I agree with everything you wrote. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I hate it when pedestrians cross the street without looking up from their phones. I just wonder if they just think cars will stop or if they just don’t care?
I am also amazed when pedestrians don’t take a moment to look up from their phones when crossing the street, Lisa! If it’s a young person, I remind myself that he or she is someone’s dear child and sigh. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I WANT the table runner! (How’s that for manners? Or lack there of, he, he, he…)
Thanks for leaving your comment and entering to give away, Valerie!
Kate
I think the most thing I find rude is when people just have to get in front of you! No matter if your driving or at the grocery line! Like it’s going to make a big difference if they get there a few seconds ahead! Ugh! And of corse my Kapp! Lol oh well I don’t let it ruin my day <3
Many people do seem to be in a hurry these days and feel entitled to push ahead in a rude manner, Lissa! Sometimes, when driving, I pull off to the side and let them be on their merry way without bothering me. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
love the quilt.and i love amish books so much i have read everyone i can get my hands on.lol..just saying cause i seen the books on here.lol
I’d love you to read one of my books, Cady! If you haven’t had a chance yet, I hope you will soon. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Texting and playing computer games while at church services. That really gets to me!
Oh, my, are you speaking about adults, Sonja? I hope not. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Good manners have slipped out of most homes these days. We were raised in a home where manners were always important and we try to pass that on. Talking on the cell phone and texting while at the table or when visiting is very impolite. Would love to win this gift. Thank you!
Thanks for leaving your comment, Nora! I’ve tried to pass good manners on … I hope it worked. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
It is absolutely beautiful….one I would be honored to own.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Tammy!
Kate
I love the table runner, it is beautiful!!!
I miss manners of the old days! I am turning 60 in just a few weeks, and with grandchildren 2-21, I see so much loss of manners, respect and just plain family communication! I blame a lot of it on conveniences and technology. One of my favorite things to do growing up, was doing dishes, the wonderful conversations that I had with my mom and even my brothers (when they had their turns) were wonderful, and on holidays, Dad and I did dishes. Memories I cherish so much.
too much tv, and I do not like video games at all. I do have to admit, I do like Wii, as we play together and it is family fun. But most of our grandkids say “it is too much work” UGH!! it’s not work, it is fun!!! Kids today because of technology have become lazy, it really bothers me. I guess I am just getting old.
I love your books Kate!!!
Thanks so much for your compliments about my books and for sharing your wisdom, Rachael! I wonder what young kids today will do with their time when not at work. (In a cubicle, on a computer?) I hope there will be a resurgence in conversation and fun family time. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My sisters and I were raised to have good manners. I am really appalled at the total lack of anything that resembles manners. Thanks for the chance, Mrs. Kate. That dog owner needed his ears boxed for his atrocious rudeness.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Debbie! Our poor mailman (postal carrier?) told me he’s been bitten eight times and will not deliver mail if there’s a dog off leash. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think with texting and playing with ones phone takes away from the time of communication with your dinner partners. Besides being rude, it doesn’t give your friend or family to get to know you. Sometimes you wonder if all the new technologies is a good thing or is it crippling our generation? Love this giveaway. Thanks!
I also wonder if new technology is both helping and hindering us and future generations, Annie! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It seems like good manners are slowly slipping away from our culture. Men use to open doors for ladies, and pull their chairs back for them. If you were injured and walking on crutches or in a wheelchair , people were kind and offered assistance. When you went to the restaurant, families would talk and have fun. Technology has taken over communicating between friends and family. People are always in a rush and don’t have time for a simple gesture of opening a door for someone. Who’s to blame ? Perhaps we all are by forgetting what is important . Prefer one another . Take time to help your neighbors . When it is time to have a meal with your family, shut off cell phones and get to know your family better. “love your neighbor as yourself .” Let’s make an effort to not practice good manners, but have good manners everyday.
Thanks for leaving your terrific comment, Deana! Good manners on a daily basis is ideal. We only have control of ourselves, so that’s the first place to start loving your family and helping your neighbors.
Kate
The table runner is beautiful and I love your books.This is an awesome giveaway.Someone is going be very blessed.I think people are in such a rush now that they don’t take time to use manners.But I still do,at least I hope I do at all times.Thanks so much for the post and a chance to win this giveaway and have a great week!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jackie, and for your kind words about my books! Hope you’ve had a great week!
Kate
What a lovely table runner! I would love to,win it, and the book. They would be much appreciated. Thanks for the opportunities.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Gretchen! I’m glad you like the table runner and hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon.
Kate
I was taught manners and so were my children. My husband has always opened the door for me and treated me with grace. We are teaching our grandchildren also. They learn at home and we continue when they are with us. Love the table runner and would love to add it to my Amherst collection along with the book. I love Amish fiction.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sue! You’re making the world a better place by emulating and teaching good manners to your grandchildren. Now, if everyone would do that …
Kate
I hate th constant pone checking, texting, and phone gaming while at the table, in church, or having a conversation with someone. It’s as if any moment of silence must be filling with phone activity. Remember the days of no cell phones???????
Yes, I do remember those days, Kathryn! In many ways, cell phones are a blessing, such as after an accident on the highway. But I agree with you and enjoy moments of silence. I rarely turn my phone on. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
One of the things that comes to my mind is elevator etiquette. I work in a building that has elevators and it amazes me how rude people are. They rush in before you can get off. People with wheelchairs and food carts, If they would just wait they would plenty of room. They practically knock you down to get in! Frustration. On a lighter note, I would certainly love to win this giveaway. Thanks for listening
Thanks for your comment, Tammy! Dealing with rude people on elevators does sound frustrating. I hadn’t thought of that scenario, but it’s an excellent example.
Kate
All of your thoughts about the manners or lack thereof are great, especially the ongoing cell phone battle! I’ve threatened to put a collection box at the door for all electronic items when we have family dinners! 🙂 But I find you have missed the greatest lack of all…when our National Anthem is played. Folks stand there talking, checking out their phones, eating, etc. and can’t even stand at attention for an entire song. What a disgraceful representation to other countries. I not only want manners to return, but PRIDE in our country and LOVE for God and our fellow man to rise up again. I’ll get off my soapbox now! Thank you for the opportunity to win a book and that gorgeous table runner. Good luck to everyone and I hope you all have a wonderfully blessed day!
A great soapbox, Mona! I must not attend enough ballgames to see this disappointing and disrespectful activity when all attention should be focused on our flag and country. Right after 9/11, the entire audience at the Seattle Opera was asked to stand and sing The National Anthem. Thrilling. Thanks for your terrific comment!
Kate
Amazing beautiful work of art ! I would love to have this ! The Amish are so true to their values 🙂
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Paula!
Kate
Rude is rude and I don’t appreciate it one bit! Texting and talking on the phone at the table is a real downer for me.
Thank you for a chance at the beautiful giveaway.
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, Melanie!
When you are out in public and a person is loudly having a conversation on their cell phone as if all those around can not hear what they are discussing.
I agree with you, Bonnie! Thanks for entering to give away!
Kate
I made my first visit to Lancaster this past summer, and was horrified of the traffic zooming past the Amish buggies. Also, I get peeved when adults jump in front of little children to view a parade or other activity. Who is acting like a grownup?
Thanks for leaving a comment and enter in the giveaway, Susan! As a short woman, I know how some of those kids feel.
Kate
Love all things Amish made! Such a pretty table runner. Thanks
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Judy!
Kate
I love all Amish made things . I also quilt and know what went into making this runner . It is beautiful . Kate I love all your books and would love to win these gifts . Thank you .
Thanks so much for commenting, Elizabeth! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think it rude to text or talk when i a restaurant or at the dinner table. I think all states should make it illegal to use a cell phone at all driving but that is my opinion. THanks for a chance to win.
I wonder how many states already hand out tickets to drivers talking on their cell phones, Kim! Not that the state troopers don’t have more important duties or that the drivers will change their ways. Thanks for leaving your comment!
Kate
It really upsets me when dining out with someone who is surfing fb or texting instead of talking to the people they’re with.
You are not alone, Jean! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Oh my goodness, I think manners are so important and so many people lack them now. The manner lacking that bothers me the most has to be when you are talking to someone and they are looking at their cell phone while talking to you. I think it is so rude. There is no reason a person can not put their phone down and have a face to face conversation. In this world of social media we have become a culture that is not sociable. I think the Amish have it right by not having any modern technology.
Your comment brought a smile to my face, April! I totally agree. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We live in a college town and the most anoying thing I see around here is kids messing with their cell phones while stopped at a red light. The light turns green and they just sit there with cars lined up behind them. They are totally oblivious to the people behind them. I think it is very rude. So many kids these days (some adults too), don’t know how to be mindful of others around them.
We live near a university too, Karen, and I see just as many adults with bad habits. Not to mention the danger there putting themselves and others in. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate…I love the table runner. I honrstly think the words good manners has been dropped from the vocabulary of most people. I was surprised to find out most younger people no longer acknowledge receiving a gift. It seems to be expected. Everywhere you look people are on their cell phones too. They ignore the people they are with. I try to overlook this in people but it is hard to do at times. I was raised to appreciate and to thank people for their kindness. No way would one of us been texting through a meal or anything either. Oh and my little doggy, all 5 pounds of her, won’t jump on you. Ha ha…..would love the runner and a book.
Thanks so much for your entertaining and insightful comment, Judy! I agree with everything you said, and I love dogs. Not crazy about those extendable leashes with a bouncy hundred-pound dog with muddy feet on one end.
Kate
One of the many things that annoys me is when two people are in the same room and text each other. It’s as rude as speaking in a different language in front of someone. And then giggling. Rude.
That’s a new one to me, Ann! You mean they’re texting so other people in the room can’t understand them? Yes, I’d be annoyed to the max. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I do not like when visitors come, they end up on their phone unaware of where they are or what is happening around them, or the amount of time going by. And having someone walk into me in a store because they are texting and no clue who is around them. very poor manners… And i also would love to win, ty for the chance to.
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, Mary! It seems cell phone users are the biggest annoyance to the majority of people writing me on bad manners …
Kate
You are right, manners are a foreign concept to some. My pet peeve is men walking in front of a woman. Think it would be funny if when they turned around the woman would be gone! Enjoy your vacation. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
When walking on a crowded sidewalk, I sometimes choose to walk behind my husband so taller people don’t bump into me, Linda! But he only does that when I ask him to. Thanks for writing in entering the giveaway!
Friends and family who are always late. Grr
I feel your pain, Linda! Fortunately I don’t have many late people in my life. (anymore) Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN ANY THING YOU HAVE. I don’t like it when you are talking to someone or ask them something and they just sit there.
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, T.J.!
Kate
I loved reading your blog. I was just recently having this discussion with some friends about whether or not chivalry was dead in today’s world. We had noticed how the some men don’t treat women as respectively as they once did which then led into a discussion on manners needing to be taught and practiced with children when they are small
Thanks so much, Donna! I wish I could have heard your discussion, but I have the feeling i would agree with you and your friends.
Kate
The books that you write are always so enjoyable and I too am impressed of the Amish ways of living. We have them living in our area now here in WV and love when they have their little roadside sales in the summer. Our farmers have had to sell farms because of the expence to keep them up and these Amish has purchased most of them and raising crops, started the dairies back up and doing lots of carpenter work for the English. Really making a go of it!!
My husband and I, in our younger years, took weekend trips to Sugarcreek and Walnut Creek, Ohio. Also loved shopping at their furniture stores. I purchased a hall table one time at I think called Hershburgers. Wonderful people and so friendly once they got to know you. Beautiful memories!!
Thanks for leaving your entertaining comment, Emma! What great memories!
Kate
I think it is so rude when people are on their phone texting or talking at the dinner table. It doesn’t matter if it’s at home or in a restaurant. I can’t stand it!
I notice offices that have no cell phone use signs, Mandy! I doubt any restaurant would dare put one up, but wouldn’t it be great? Maybe I should put a sign on our backdoor before my husband comes home for dinner. He’s actually very courteous as he knows his cell phone annoys me as much as they seem to annoy you. Thanks for writing!
Kate