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Manners are crucial at school, work and in friendships - and will even impress when you're on a date

We spend so much of our lives online, it can sometimes be a shock to the system when you have to interact with people IRL. Doing it thoughtfully makes everyone's day better, so be polite!

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Manners are crucial at school, work and in friendships - and will even impress when you're on a date

Modern life is busy. And hella stressful. But those aren't reasons not to develop and display good manners - in fact, 

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It’s easy to get caught up in your own life, even when you’re out and about. With your eyes fixed on your phone screen, and your headphones blasting music in your ears, you can shut out the world. But if there are other people, even strangers, around, you are not alone, and you need to pay some attention to them, and acknowledge their equal right to enjoying their life.

This is where manners come in. Manners do not need to be the old-fashioned shows of subservience you see in a period drama. Good manners are mainly proof that you are being considerate towards others. Good manners show that you respect other people (and this is where manners will get you ahead when you’re dating – people crave respect), and in this way, make other people respect you. They don’t take much effort, they make other people’s lives easier, and will make you feel better about yourself.

The old saying “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” – treat other people how you want to be treated – is a good starting point. Here are some basic manners we should all put into practice.

Manners at home

  • Wish the people you live with good morning and goodnight, whether that’s parents and siblings, roommates or a partner.
  • Say please and thank you. They’re little words, but when someone helps you in some way, whether it’s passing the salt, or doing your laundry, acknowledge those actions and demonstrate your gratitude.
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