Is it a sign of ageing to value good manners, common courtesy and good customer service? After having earnt the nickname 'Granny Garnet' amongst friends I was beginning to think my ideas on politeness and the treatment of others were out-of-date and perhaps a little trifling. I wondered if I was joining the ranks of those who talk about 'the youth of today' in surly and digruntled tones. But it isn't the youth of today that's the problem with London. People of all ages can be just plain rude.
I toyed with joining The National Campaign for Courtesy (formerly the Polite Society) which has been running annual campaigns to stimulate good manners across Britain since the 1960s. This seemed a little stuffy until I realised how many people are still interested in the positive 'effects' of good behaviour and kindness to our fellow human beings.
The success of the 29-day Giving Challenge for example - a global movement with over 10,000 members in 42 countries - shows that the concept of good manners and giving for giving's sake is still popular.
We all have our bad days and it's not always easy to be polite in London. However, should it ever become a political contender, here's a few of the things I would hope the National Campaign for Courtesy bans in it's manifesto:
1. Litter dropping.
2. Spitting (loudly or not) in the street. (- Though I don't have the same problem with burping, strangely).
3. Not giving up seats for the elderly or infirm on public transport.
4. Men who are only friendly to women when they dressed up to the nines (and blank them at all other times).
5. People who do not acknowledge or say thank you for gifts sent/posted/given.
6. Queue jumping.
7. People who are regularly late without apology.
8. Shop assistants who do not smile or look at you
when serving.
9. People who do not say thank you when you have stopped in the street
to give them direction.
10. People who do not return things borrowed.
On a positive note, I have noticed that what you give out you almost immediately get back. So, if I'm in good spirits the world smiles with me, doors are held open and I get into the most interesting conversations with the assistants on Oxford Street.
For more information on 29-day Giving Challenge visit: www.givingchallenge.ning.com
For more information on: National Campaign for Courtesy, visit: www.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
