I own and edit an online magazine for writers, The Cuckleburr Times. It never ceases to amaze me how rarely people say thanks when I inform them they’ve been selected for publication. It’s not that I expect them to turn somersaults or fawn all over me because I don’t. However I was brought up in a household where I constantly heard that “manners cost nothing.” And they don’t!
Is it so difficult to type six letters? Would expending that amount of effort to show the slightest glimmer of appreciation really be such a drain on their energy? It must be.
When your life is too busy to acknowledge a kindness, something has gone far astray.
I have literally hundreds of articles on my site and received probably a dozen thank you’s out of all those authors whose works I’ve showcased. A grand total of two took time to send a longer thank you note and amazingly also offered to do something for me in return. An uncommon courtesy indeed.
Is courtesy a dying trend? Only if you and I allow it to become so. Taking is very easy, but so is giving. I’ll continue to give of myself what I can when I can and live in hope that catches on. 
2 Responses to “An uncommon courtesy”
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June 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 am
I absolutely agree, Kay! It takes very little effort to be courteous, but I find that the smile on people’s faces and the gratitude it brings out in many people, is worth the effort even on days where I feel I have nothing left in me. All we can do is hope our example is paid forward.
June 4th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
So true, diane! Lovely to see you stop by. Admittedly, I quite like marching to the beat of a different drum. I’d rather be the way I am than not.
Today I had my faith in human nature renewed a little by a new contributor to the magazine that very graciously linked to us in her newsletter, so we can now make that a grand total of three.