Don't say anything if you can't say anything nice!

Dear Loyal Fans of Good Manners,

As I have -- thankfully -- no bathroom or kitchenette issues to share with you tonight, I thought I'd give my blog a little redesign. I'm not much of a techno-wiz but I went in and changed the template and the colors -- and I actually think it turned out okay! What do you think of it?

I guess that's a loaded question. I mean, what can you really say? It's like when I ask the Good Manners Dad/Husband how I look and he says fine.

Or when I tell the Good Manners Daughters that they absolutely must not turn their nose up at some exotic food that they are offered and absolutely not say "I don't like xyz" to the person's face.

It's such a fine line between lying (oh, so harsh -- let's say fibbing) and showing people respect.

I remind myself all the time that if I can't say anything nice, I shouldn't say anything at all. But sometimes, I admit, Dear Good Manners Fan, I do slip up.

Oh, not about the exotic food (I can rearrange the food on my plate to fool the best of them).

But maybe I've tried to give constructive advice ... and it backfires. Sometimes. Maybe more than sometimes. Okay ... in fact, it does almost all the time with the older Good Manners Daughter.

She's a teenager. Let's just say that we're both going through some growing pains. (Oh, it was so much easier when she was cute and little -- and thought I was always right! Because I was. Aren't I still?)

I just want to make things easier for her than it was for me growing up. So she can benefit now -- instead of years from now -- from what I learned the hard way. Dear Readers -- don't we all want what's best for our children?

But I need to remember that I need to respect her instead of instruct her (or criticize her, as she says). First thing tomorrow I'm going to practice biting my tongue when I think I know best. Really, I am. (Even when it's clear that I do know best.)

So, back to the beginning -- my loaded question about what you think of my new blog design? Don't feel like you have to tell me it's fine (like Good Manners Dad/Husband might). But I hope you'll feel free to comment about anything else or sign up for an email feed to keep in touch. Or become a follower. I'd love to have you.

Until I blog again,

Leslie

P.S. If you didn't come from my site www.goodmannerskidsstuff.com you can click here and check it out. And, if your children are interested in sports, you might like to check out my new blog www.goodsportbadsport.blogspot.com that I've just started to share information to help children be good sports.

Friendly Wave -- Part 2

Dear Good Manners Fans,

I write to you tonight with an addendum to my earlier post, The Friendly Wave. (Quite a fancy word -- addendum -- perhaps I shall call it an addition instead!)

As you may remember, Good Manners Dad and the Good Manners Daughters are always disappointed when he lets other cars out into traffic and he doesn't receive a Friendly Wave as his thank you.

I can't tell you how many comments I've received from people with whom I shared the Good Manners Mom Blog who themselves experience this rudeness and lack of good manners -- and they are just as mystified as the Good Manners Family. And like the Good Manners Family, they don't let their annoyance get the better of them -- every day brings a new opportunity for us all to let a traffic-challenged motorist out -- and hope that this time there will be a Friendly Wave or Nod or Smile in return.

While I was glad, of course, that they had enjoyed my post, that is not the reason for my post tonight, Dear Fans. No. My Addendum, or Addition, is to share a word of warning from the Good Manners Family's neighbor.

Good Manners Neighbor never gets a Friendly Wave, either. But she doesn't let that stop her from letting people out at crowded intersections. She cautions, however, that when letting people out, to make sure the path is clear for them the other way.

She learned the hard way that the driver often pulls out without checking it himself because he seems to think that you've given him the all clear rather than just giving him the opportunity to turn or pull out before you do.

I know, I know, so much responsibility suddenly lands in your lap when all you're trying to do is a good deed. So not only do I have to let them out, you think, I have to make sure they don't get hit by someone else? Is it really worth it?

Yes, it is. Because hopefully someday someone will let you out at that bad traffic spot. Just remember to check the other direction first before you turn!

Until my next post, drive safely and wave responsibly, Dear Good Manners Fans!

Leslie
www.goodmannerskidsstuff.com

Kitchenette Rudeness

Dear Bad Manners Fans,

It is with great sadness that I write to you today about another instance of unbelievably bad manners at work!

After coming upon repeated gunk in the sink and drain, Management has found it necessary to post a little laminated sign above the sink in our kitchenette.

The sign reads: "Please be respectful of your co-workers by not leaving food waste in the sink when you clean your food container and utensils."

Dear Bad Manners Fans, after first reading in my last post about our awful Ladies Room with its new sign, and now the sign for the messy kitchenette, you may wonder where I work and with whom.

You may be thinking "Well, maybe she works at a zoo." Or "Maybe a daycare explains the mess in the bathroom." Either of those, with my co-workers too young or not human and unable to clean up after themselves, could explain it.

But, Dear Bad Manners Fans, no -- neither a zoo or a daycare. I work for . . . an insurance company!

How embarrassing that grown-ups need to be reminded how to act.
I shudder to think what kind of sign I'll see next!

Here's hoping that I won't have to shock and horrify you in any more of my posts.

Yours,

Leslie
www.goodmannerskidstuff.com

P.S. I also wanted to mention, Dear Bad Manners Fans, that if you didn't come to my blog from my website, www.goodmanerskidsstuff.com, I hope you click here and check it out!

Restroom Rudeness

Dear Bad Manners Fan,

My apologies for the length of time since my last post. The Good Manners Family was busy over Spring Break and we are now finally back at school and work.

Imagine my surprise this morning to find a new sign in our Ladies Room that reads "Please be considerate and respectful of your surroundings and keep our Restroom clean for all who use it."

Not that there is anything wrong with the sign -- it's on pretty pink flowered paper. I'm just appalled that grown women need a reminder of how to act in the Ladies Room. But conversely, I was also overjoyed to see it because, unfortunately, the sign has been long overdue.

Regardless of how well stocked the Ladies Room is with seat protectors, toilet paper, soap dispensers, paper towels, air freshener and trash cans -- in addition to being cleaned twice during the day and again after we all leave -- the mess my fellow female office mates make is just, well, gross.

Dear Bad Manners Fans, please, I beg of you, please, please, please, please, please practice basic courtesies in the bathroom if you don't already. It's so easy, really it is. Just a little courtesy, a little tidiness -- that's all you need to do.

The signs can come down and the World will be a better place!

Okay, maybe I shouldn't go that far, but it surely couldn't hurt, don't you agree?

Until my next post, take care,

Leslie
www.goodmannerskidsstuff.com