Are millennials forgetting etiquette, manners and social norms?

"Friends and good manners will carry you where money won't go."

Alright so I have a bone to pick with society. It seems that lately manners have fallen to the wayside. Not just with the millennial generation, but as a whole. Etiquette used to be the glue that held society together and now it's rare to even see a man hold the door open for a women. Now I realize that no one is perfect and if you absent-mindedly forget to say bless you when someone sneezes that doesn't mean there isn't hope for you. However there are many social norms and manners that people my age are forgetting and I think it's important to have a little reminder.

Here are just a few that I think we should all start with:

1. Ignoring via text, email etc

This is one of my biggest pet peeves. If someone were standing right in front of you and were trying to have a conversation would you completely ignore them? No. So don't do it on social media or texting either. There are no ramifications for being rude and people seem to think others are disposable online/via phone. Just because you are not being held accountable because the person you are speaking with is not in your presence does not make it OK to disregard them. Remember the golden rule!

2. RSVPing

Also if someone invites you to a party whether it is a invite in the mail, email, or text message respond!!! I can not stress that enough. Someone is personally taking the time to invite to an event that they would like you to join and just because you don't know if you want to go yet or feel bad so you just don't respond is just beyond inconsiderate. Let me recommend some responses for you...

"I'm sorry I don't know what I have planned yet, but I will get back to you as soon as I can."

Or a simple "I'm sorry I'm not feeling well/I have other plans/I'm tired etc etc!"

Anything is better than no response at all.

And if you plan on going be sure to let that person know. Do not just show up at an event and expect that the host knew you were coming. The host of events takes the time to plan these things and count how many people are coming. If you don't respond that to me seems like a cowardly way of saying no.

3. Thank you cards

Write them. It's as simple as that. Again someone has taken the time to go buy you a gift, attend your party, or whatever it may be. So take the time to thank them for that. And do it within a reasonable period of time! No one is going to remember what they did 6 months ago if a thank you card comes in the mail that late.

4. Timely manner

Be on time people! There is no such thing as fashionably late. Your time is not more important than anyone else's. Don't expect to come to a dinner party I have 20 mins late and still eat.

5. Street etiquette (Men especially!)

Walk behind a women when you all are crossing a street. Just as women should walk BEHIND their children. I cringe every time I see a mother crossing the street with her children in toe behind her. Are you insane people? That is just not safe. Oh and gentlemen what happened to walking on the outside of the sidewalk to protect women and children from cars?

6. Dinner manners

Learn them. I'm not saying you have to know how to dine with the queen, but everyone should be able to put a napkin in their lap and chew with their mouth closed.

7. Social Media...

Your breakup does not need to be announced to the world. Neither do all your emotions in general. Please keep your political opinions, breakups, anger issues and whatever else you feel the need to brag or complain about off social media. And take down that "ratchet" photo of you drinking as well.

8. Texting while in person!

My goodness gracious. I realize that almost everyone is at fault with this one, but really people? Okay if your mom is texting you about something important and you need to respond that is understandable. Do not have 2 conversations going on at once though. The person with you in person should always have precedence. Just a simple, "One sec I need to respond to this text" would be courteous. If someone is pouring their heart out to you though or you're eating dinner, you better put that phone away!

Technology clearly has some part in the change in social manners. Our society's dependence on technology is inevitable, but as technology becomes increasingly more advanced and we gain more possibilities in having everything at the touch of a button we forget what it is like to communicate with people one on one. Even "smart" technology has made many of us seem "less smart." (That's a polite way of putting it.) It's certainly made people more distracted and self-centered, both of which breed bad manners.

Now call me old fashion, but these are important things to remember everybody. Having good manners is rare these days and I assure you they will take you far in life. And just in case anyone doesn't remember the golden rule it is to treat others as you would like to be treated. And if you think these things aren't important anymore I can assure you... you are wrong. For example if you are a guy I ever date do not expect to come into my house without remembering these things! Oh and go pick up a pocket sized etiquette book while you're at it.

-M