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Previous Issues > March 2007 > Manners Matter > What Are Manners Anyway?
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 Manners Matter
What Are Manners Anyway?
Q. What are manners, anyway?
A. You know how to add and subtract. You know how to read and can probably
recite all the months of the year. But did you also know that the way you act and the things you say and do can either help or hurt you? Thats right! Having manners (or not) can really make you stand out. And though you may do well in your schoolwork, there are many times when all of your talents and accomplishments can go unnoticed if you dont know how to behave and treat other people.
Having manners is also called etiquette a word that is pronounced et-i-cut and learning about etiquette just means that you know how to be polite and respectful to other people by doing things like always saying please and thank you, waiting your turn and not interrupting other people when they are talking. Learning about manners is all about learning to be kind to others and to have respect for yourself.
Etiquette can also mean that you know which fork to use when you sit down to a meal, and what to do with your napkin when you are finished eating. But the more important part of
leaning about manners is that you learn how not to hurt others feelings and are always able to be considerate of other people. This might mean that you learn how to be a gracious winner or maybe an accepting loser. Learning manners might mean that you know how to react when someone treats you unfairly. It could also mean that you help others and always tell the truth.
Manners are not about embarrassing anyone quite the opposite, actually. Manners were made to make other people feel comfortable, as when you hold the door open for someone or when you keep your mouth closed while you are eating. Manners are not at all about being fake or acting snooty. It is all about listening, speaking when spoken to, learning to accept differences in people and developing your own set of beliefs and learning how to stick to them. Manners can also be learning about personal safety and when it is OK to say no.
Manners can be fun, and they definitely can make you and everyone else around you feel good. We would like to help you learn manners by answering any question that you might have about things like why cant we put our elbows on the table? Or maybe you are wondering about why people shake hands when they meet or what to do when someone calls you a name. With your parents permission, we are here to help you! Try to think of a manners question and write to us! We want to hear from you, and remember, you have a
tremendous power in what you say and what you do each and every day.
Truman and Mrs. Susan Fleming, will be glad to answer your questions on manners and etiquette. Susan Fleming is a home economist, editor and lifestyle writer specializing in the areas of entertaining and childrens etiquette. Just e-mail your question to manners@kidsvillenews.com. If we use your question in the publication, you will receive a Kidsville News! t-shirt!
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