Is it that hard to say "thank you"?

G35stilez · 12-19-05, 09:56

A truly on-going pet peeve of mine, the simple gesture of "thank you" at the appropriate time is absent from many people's vocabulary.

Specifically, when I hold a door for someone. Ok, if its a very busy place and there are constant people in and out, the door is always being held regardless. However, I make it a point to hold a door extra long, a few seconds, if I see older folks or a female walking towards the door. Now, I do this out of pure respect and helpfulness. With the older folks, simply because many are notably weaker and for the females, out of old-fashioned habits. For instance, I get the car door for my girlfriend whenever we go out.

Anyways, this gesture of mine goes unnoticed by many; almost like the "deserve" it. Many times I will hold a door for someone with pretty much nobody else around and it will be just silence. 9 times out of 10, I will respond with a firm, "Your welcome", and let the door go.

Am I overreacting or should I start accepting that some people either don't care or just simply don't have manners?

BigAl3 · 12-19-05, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSRstilez

I will respond with a firm, "Your welcome", and let the door go.

i do the same thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSRstilez

Am I overreacting or should I start accepting that some people either don't care or just simply don't have manners?

no, your not over-reacting. people these days need to get re-aquainted with their own manners.

Spilchy · 12-19-05, 10:38

I've experienced the same exact situation time and again.

Or, when you gesture people to give them the right away while driving, they don't acknowledge you.

Either they're too self absorbed, don't have manners or are innocently oblivious.

SK2003TypeS · 12-19-05, 10:46

I think people's manners in general are on the decline. The sincere "Thank you" you get from the mother with 2 wild kids and 1 in the stroller make up for the rude ones I hold the doors for.

I was once in a gas station and saw a young kid actually throw a dollar at the guy behind the counter as he walked out with a soda. I was totally floored.

kgb · 12-19-05, 10:58

I usually just slam there head into the door a few times. LOL For real, I either say, "YOU'RE WELCOME" or worse depending on my mood. HAHA!

Brandon1 · 12-19-05, 11:05

The "old" way of doing things is going fast. I live in the country where 5yrs ago, there were only 500 people within 10 miles of me. Now with all the new sub-divisions that we put in, there are "new" people around. And they dont seem to do things the way we do it. I will wave, say hi, hold the door at some of our stores, and I dont even get a thanks or "nod". Some people like you say, are just rude. And then some are rude even thought they dont mean to be. Like my gf, when she walks in my house she will never say hi to my parents, not b/c she is being mean, she wasnt brought up to say hi when she walks in the door. My parents talk to her, and she talks back 90mph, but she wont say things first. This is kinda along the same lines as you were talking about Sean.

truzoom · 12-19-05, 11:18

I blame that damn MTV and reality shows.

cwcad · 12-19-05, 11:19

I too am of the old school. I do the polite thing because of upbringing. That is what my parents taught me to do. In fact that is what my parents practiced.

Many years went by before I realized that I do this for all the reasons that you mentioned but... foremost, I do this because it is right. Once I got this thru my head it was easier to let the ungrateful go on about their business without comment.

Knowing that you are right, respectful, and polite in all things is satisfaction enough. Acknowledgement of those things is icing on the cake.

Lowejackson · 12-19-05, 11:51

Some people mistake courtesy for weakness when in fact it is the opposite

Scottwax · 12-19-05, 11:51

One of my pet peeves too, Sean. Guess that is what happens when MTV and Madonna are raising today's kids. Sad thing is, I see the same thing with adults.

JJ_ · 12-19-05, 11:57

Im only 20 but I have also been brought up saying thank you and please. I mean if I ask for anything off of anyone I ALWAYS say please and thank you.

If someone asks me for something and they dont say the "magic" word I just say whats the majic "word." lol.

I paritcularly dislike if I let someone out and they don't say thanks that really really annoys me.

Bill D · 12-19-05, 11:58

I can relate so in the spirit of this time of year, I'd like to thank all who have contributed to our community and have made it the fun place that is.

Thanks Folks!!