The unspoken rules of social etiquette are always changing, so it’s no surprise that some traditional manners are starting to fade among younger folks. As we move forward, it can be helpful to take note of these shifts and how they could affect our relationships. So, here are some old-school etiquettes we’re losing and what they means for us.
Holding Doors Open
You may have noticed that the courteous act of holding the door open for others is becoming less and less common. You’ll often see young folks rushing through doors without a thought for who’s behind them. But this little act of politeness can really have a positive impact on our daily interactions and make life easier for everyone.
Table Manners
Good table manners, like proper utensil use and refraining from speaking with a full mouth, are frequently neglected by today’s youth. Casual dining environments and fast food culture foster a more relaxed approach to mealtime etiquette, often at the expense of traditional manners.
Rising to Greet Someone
The decline in the practice of standing up to greet others, especially elders or individuals of importance, is pretty troubling to some people. This diminishing respect reflects a shift towards more casual interactions among younger individuals, signaling a departure from valued traditions.
Removing Hats Indoors
Hats off to you if you remember when taking off your hat when you walked into a home, church, or restaurant was a no-brainer. According to The Emily Post Institute, this has long been seen as a sign of respect that was especially important in certain contexts. But nowadays, many young people keep their hats on, either because they’re unaware of the tradition or just don’t care.
Addressing Elders with Respect
As most people know, addressing elders with formal titles such as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” used to be a common practice that helped signal respect and courtesy. But these days, many young folks prefer to use first names, even with older adults. While a lot of people have no problem with this, others see it as a bit disrespectful and overly casual.
Writing Thank You Notes
Most of us can relate to the experience of receiving a handwritten thank you note and feeling special. But let’s face it, not many young people take the time to write and send these notes anymore. Digital communication is just so convenient that it’s mostly replaced this thoughtful gesture, even though we miss out on an important personal touch that could even improve our well-being.
Prioritizing Punctuality
Back in the old days, being on time was super important. It showed you were reliable and respected others’ time. These days, though, a lot of young folks take a more laid-back approach, often showing up late to appointments and gatherings. While a lot of Zoomers and Millennials don’t seem to mind, this shift can lead to some frustrations and misunderstandings.
Sending RSVPs
Responding to invitations with an RSVP was once a given, but now a lot of young people skip this step, leaving hosts in the dark about who’s coming. This drop in courtesy can cause a lot of hassle and disrupt event planning, especially when you end up catering to a lot more people than you expected.
Maintaining Proper Phone Etiquette
Proper phone manners, like speaking politely and not interrupting, seem to be fading among the younger crowd. With texting and casual phone chats taking over, the more relaxed style sometimes comes at the expense of courteous communication.
Dressing Appropriately for Occasions
Remember when dressing up for different events was a thing? Nowadays, younger generations often go for casual clothes, no matter the occasion. While comfy, it can sometimes seem a bit disrespectful to the event or the hosts.
Offering Seats to Those in Need
A lot of us see offering a seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or anyone in need as an important gesture of courtesy. But sadly, it seems to be much less common these days. Many young people might not notice or choose not to offer their seat, missing a chance to show some kindness.
Polite Greetings and Farewells
Saying “good morning” or “good evening” when entering a room or meeting someone was once standard. Now, casual and brief greetings are more the norm, which can sometimes seem less polite to those who value traditional manners.
Seeking Permission
You may have noticed that seeking permission before doing something, like borrowing an item or entering a room, is a traditional etiquette that’s fading. Many young people today act more independently, occasionally overlooking the importance of asking first and showing respect.
Writing Personal Letters
Writing personal letters used to be a cherished, sentimental form of communication. Today, emails and instant messaging have taken over, and the personal touch and effort of a handwritten note are rare among the youth.
Offering Help Spontaneously
A lot of people will gladly accept help when someone offers, especially with things like carrying groceries or assisting with a task. But sadly, this thoughtful habit is becoming significantly less common. Many young folks might be too focused on their own activities and miss chances to lend a hand, which could build stronger social bonds.
Saying “Excuse Me” When Necessary
It’s a polite habit to say “excuse me” when interrupting or passing by someone, but unfortunately this seems to be fading away nowadays. Younger generations might skip this polite phrase, which can come off as rude and inconsiderate of others’ space.
Respecting Quiet Spaces
Respecting quiet spaces like libraries, hospitals, or places of worship by keeping noise down is crucial. Many young people might forget or ignore this, causing disturbances that affect everyone’s comfort and experience.
Expressing Gratitude Regularly
Expressing gratitude, whether with words or actions, is key to good manners. Some young individuals today might skip saying “thank you” or showing appreciation, possibly because of a fast-paced lifestyle that normalizes casual interactions.