Show your manners to pregnant ladies

[HillWilliam]

147. We were raised to be polite respectful of others

I still get called out for saying "ma'am", "sir", "please", "thank you", "How do you do?" and "I am well, thank you for asking." These aren't just cute "Southernisms", they're the lubricant that keeps the gears of society running smoothly. I can't tell you how many times I've been castigated for holding a door or an elevator for someone with their arms full or with a child. I tell the detractors they'd feel much differently if they were the ones receiving the courtesy.

I remember about the only thing that surprised me when I went to Germany was a sign on the bus reading "Wen's um den sitzplatz geht, das alter sizt, die juegend steht!" (If there's a question about a seat, the older sits, the youngun stands!". My 19-year-old mind wondered how it could be that grown people needed reminding.

My culture shock came when I moved back to the States and took a job up north. It really surprised me how rude a society we are, as much as we like to think otherwise.