4
Has this ever happened to you? Your mother comes into your room while you are doing homework, lays your clean, folded laundry on your bed, stands by your desk for about ten seconds, then says, “You’re welcome!” before she stomps out the door. Or your dad drops you off at your friend’s house and as the car door is closing behind you, he shouts, “You’re welcome!” This is not the time to roll your eyes; consider what you have not done that has irritated your mom or dad.
You might have “thank you” down pat when someone gives you something you’ve already asked for, but having good manners also means saying “thank you” after people do something nice when you haven’t asked, or just out of the blue.
5
When your mom puts your clean laundry on your bed, when your dad gives you a ride, when your friend tells you how cute your outfit is, or her mom tells you after the soccer match what a great game you had, the response is as simple as “1,2, thank you.”
YOU DO
Say “thank you” anytime someone does something nice for you, no matter how well you know them.
YOU DON’T
Think you don’t have to say “thank you” to your mom, your dad, or your big sister because they are family and don’t count.
Why
Because family is where good manners begin, not where they end.
YOU DO
Say “thank you” when a teacher compliments your drawing, or the piano teacher remarks kindly on your playing, even if you’re not happy with your drawing or your performance.
6
YOU DON’T
Reply “it’s ugly!” or “I was terrible!” even if you feel you could have done better.
Why
Because rejecting someone’s kind comments on your accomplishment implies they have no taste, and that’s insulting.
YOU DO
Say “thank you” to the person who just made your strawberry-banana smoothie, handed you your change at the market, or gave you a program at the hockey game.
YOU DON’T
Assume that because people are “doing their jobs” they don’t deserve to be thanked for that particular interaction with you.
Why
Because it makes people feel good to know their efforts are appreciated, and why wouldn’t you want to make someone feel good?
7
A lady smiles and makes eye contact when she says “thank you.”
A lady says “thank you” even when the person she is thanking is on the other end of the phone.
A lady says “thank you” even if no one else has—or especially if no one else has done so.