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The simple act of being polite can improve your life. You can have better relationships, gain respect, and increase your self-confidence and esteem. Being rude, on the other hand, can make life much more difficult.

It is fair to say that one’s propensity for polite behavior comes down to exposure. That is, if you grew up in a household where being polite was emphasized (or expected) you probably have proper behaviors and habits.

On the other hand, if you were not taught the importance of being polite, you may lack some needed social cues.

HERE ARE FIVE HABITS OF POLITE PEOPLE:

Politeness : behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.


THEY THINK BEFORE SPEAKING

We’re all adults now, and as adults we have the capacity – in fact, the obligation – to think before we speak . Not following such simple advice has led to many arguments, broken hearts, and damaged relationships. Polite people think before they speak at all times.

Here are a few ways you can become a more thoughtful conversationalist:

• Don’t feel pressured to say anything, ever.
If you require more time to respond, that’s okay, just say so.

• When you catch yourself about to say something impulsive, acknowledge it, take a deep breath, and think before responding.

THEY DON’T PROSELYTIZE

Having beliefs and opinions is okay. It’s not okay to try and force your beliefs or opinions onto someone else. Needless to say, polite people don’t drone on about their precious beliefs and opinions knowing that such behavior is immature and rude.

Polite people don’t proselytize about anything. Ever.


THEY’RE EXCELLENT LISTENERS

Polite people always seem to have excellent active listening skills. Active listening is the act of fully concentrating, understanding, responding to, and remembering what the other person says. Active listeners resist the urge to speak over someone. You allow people to finish their thoughts before introducing your own.

To improve your active listening skills:

• Give your full attention to the speaker. If your attention drifts, bring it back.

• Most importantly, do not interrupt unless absolutely necessary.

THEY RESPECT PERSONAL BOUNDARIES

Few things are more sacred to most people than personal space. In fact, attempting to impede someone’s personal space is often punishable by a look of disgust and forceful “Excuse me?!”

Speaking of personal space, not everyone is okay with casual touching or patting, even when done with the best of intentions.

THEY USE PROPER LANGUAGE

They respect other people and use appropriate, well-mannered language. The words that come out of your mouth should fit with the situation.

When in public, lay off the cursing (and yelling). Actually, it would probably be wise to avoid this type of speech in private too.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

• SAY “PLEASE” AND “THANK YOU.”

When asking for something, say “please.” When receiving something, say “thank you.” Simple, but you’d be surprised how many of us don’t say it.

• HOLD DOORS OPEN FOR OTHERS.

There are few things more rude than some able-bodied person not holding the door open for someone who is right behind them. Don’t be this person. Hold the door for a couple seconds. You can handle it.


• RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE’S TIME.

This one’s simple: be there when you say you will be there. If you aren’t, you should have a dang good excuse. Also, use your good judgement in determining how much time to take up; consider too that the other person may be busy.

• BE ASSERTIVE WHEN NEEDED.

Being polite doesn’t mean letting people take your kindness for weakness. When someone tries to get one over on you, put your foot down.

• APOLOGIZE WHEN YOU SCREW UP.

“I’m sorry” are two words that would save our world a whole bunch of trouble if people said them more. While your pride may be telling you to do something else, ignore it and apologize when you make a mistake.


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