Manners

Once I said to my mother: ‘You would be happy if I just kept well-dressed and had good manners,’ and she said: ‘What else is there?’ Cy Twombly

Anyone else’s parents big on manners? My grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts all worked tiresomely to ensure my sister and I were raised to say please and thank you, eat nicely at the table, not get up until everyone has finished eating, don’t burp in front of others, dress nicely (especially when going out) – please tell me I’m not the only one?

Sometimes I feel like I’m the one in the wrong for having, and expecting, good manners.

Yes it’s rude to swear, and that’s the one bad habit I really need to get rid of, but other than that I’d say I’m fairly well-mannered.

I’m hygienic, I keep my nails clean and neat, my hair (aside from messy bun days) mostly looks presentable… so why do I feel like I’m in the wrong?

Why do I feel like a snob for expecting other people to have decent manners?

Surely it’s a form of respect… for yourself, and for those around you… no?