Manners Resolutions for 2009
1. Make a good impression on yourself, first. Take the time this year to focus on your health and well-being both physically as well as mentally. Strive to be a bit more organized and efficient so that you can be your most effective self both personally and professionally.
2. Smile and be friendly. Resolve to smile and be friendly with everyone you interact with this year. Whether it's a parent you pass in the hallway at school or the checkout attendant at the grocery store, everyone deserves a little acknowledgement. It is not much effort, but makes a huge difference.
3. Choose to be optimistic. We are beginning a new year, a clean slate, an opportunity for total renewal. Why not choose to proceed into these next twelve months with complete and absolute optimism. Remember a positive and optimistic attitude is most mannerly and assures a successful outcome in anything we endeavor to do.
4. Be a good listener. Humans thrive on relationships and connections with others. One way to cultivate and nurture your communications with friends and relatives is to be a good listener. This is the key to all great conversationalists and will convey your sincere interest and attention.
5. Use your table manners. So many of life's pleasures and special moments revolve around the table and dining experience. This year, aspire to be a bit more mindful of your table manners. Begin with the most simple of tasks such as refraining from talking with your mouth full of food or putting your elbows on the table. Make sure to sit up straight for good posture and say please and thank you when being served.
6. Take a breath and think before you act. This is vitally important and can save a lot of heartache and headache. We've all heard the expression "put yourself in someone else's shoes" meaning everything we do has a positive or negative effect on one another, so before you behave in a way that might upset or offend someone, take a moment to think about how they might feel and choose to do the right thing.
7. Be courteous and patient. We live in a 24/7, frenetic, automated world where common courtesy and human decency are threatening extinction. Do your part to change the tide and make 2009 a year where you are more polite and patient. From the people you stand in line with at Starbucks or share the carpool lane with on your way to work, to the caretakers who watch after your children and your families with whom you share a meal, aspire to be more considerate and a little more tolerant.
8. Master the fine art of knowing when to speak and when to hold your tongue. Being well-mannered does not mean you are obligated to be accepting of every situation. In fact, sometimes it is appropriate to stand up for yourself or something you believe in. The important thing is to be sensitive to your surroundings and adjust yourself accordingly. Be aware enough to know if the situation calls for gentle pacification, brutal honesty or something in between.
9. Give thanks and appreciate. We cannot say enough about taking a moment to be thankful and to appreciate. At a time when so many are experiencing job layoffs, personal economic turmoil or major health issues, it is more important than ever to try to find a glimmer of light and to acknowledge what you do have that is positive and encouraging.
10. Don't be stingy with the magic words. The most commonly used magic words are: please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry and you're welcome. This year, strive to use these words frequently and without discretion and witness firsthand a transformation from those who hear them. Notice how a few kind words or gestures can help brighten someone's day.
These resolutions are from: Beverly Hills Manners
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