General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Anyone on DU who was not taught to step aside for older person? [View all]TygrBright
(20,756 posts)Also- hold doors for them, give up chairs, offer to carry heavy packages, carry their plate to the table from the buffet, etc.
And on the other side of the family, open the beer bottle for them, let them sit in the front seat, let them pick the teevee channel, etc.
Different manifestations but the same thing: Respect for elders.
We didn't necessarily have to agree with them but we were discouraged (at least on one side of the family) from expressing different views, especially in a way that pointed up the lack of logic or factual basis in their positions. On the other side, we were free to argue but expected to let elders have the last word, even if they didn't convince us.
We weren't necessarily expected to listen to them but we were encouraged to pretend to listen. Or at least not be rude about not listening.
Back then, of course, it was clear they knew very little, anyway.
It's amazing how much they actually did know, in retrospect. I probably would have benefited from listening more.
reminiscently,
Bright