Showing good manners is part of social maturity. It is the we express the kind of love the Greeks called storgè – basic respect for human dignity. Since human dignity is so important, every culture has created a set of norms intended to show respect. Unfortunately the modernist culture our young people are immersed in today doesn’t see the value in these “old fashioned” cultural expectations. Modernism paints manners as arbitrary and meaningless relics from the past. But if we want to raise our children to become adults who respect others and who are on the path to learning Christlike love, we will make manners a family expectation early in our children’s life, and continue teaching them throughout our parenting.

Manners for General Behavior

• Be polite -Always try to act in a demure and professional manner. Be sure to say, “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “you’re welcome,” as appropriate. Many children don’t understand why saying “you’re welcome” is better than saying something like “no problem.” Some people will take offense to the phrase, “no problem,” because it belittles your own effort, and thus it renders a person’s thanks as meaningless. Saying “you’re welcome,” tells the person that they are worth the effort.
• Be punctual -It is basic courtesy to keep one’s appointments in a timely manner.
• Practice Patience – You will always run into people who rub you the wrong way, who frustrate you, or who threaten to make you angry. Showing patience is one way we can show them that respect for their dignity as a human person is not conditional on their behavior or attitude. 
• Do not swear, shout, or lose your temper – Today’s culture sometimes accepts swearing as a form of “keeping it real.” But what it really does is make your anger or frustration the center of attention. Keeping your anger in check is the action of all civilized individuals and shows your grace and composure. This is one way we can spread peace in social settings.
• Do not pick anything – This includes nose, ears, bellybutton, teeth, toes, etc. Don’t scratch yourself either. Like bathroom behavior, these are behaviors best suited for private settings. Likewise spitting, chewing gum in good company, and smoking in mixed company shows a level of self-absorption and disregard for others. Save these activities for private settings as well.
• Do not point or stare -It’s just rude. It causes people to be self-conscious, and makes them wonder what you are thinking about them. This does not show a respect for their dignity. It communicates that your regard for them is conditional on something – and you’re not sharing what that condition is.
• Remove your hat indoors – Upon entering any household or establishment, you should immediately remove your hat. This communicates that you are present to the people inside, not ready to leave at any moment.
• Do not check your watch – Unless you absolutely must be somewhere, it is rude to check your watch constantly. Refrain from this action when at a party or dinner or any function. Again, this communicates that you are not completely present to the people you are with, that there is something else more important to you than they are.
• Pick up after yourself – Unless you are in a social situation where it is expected that a wait staff or the host will clean up for you, cleaning up after yourself shows respect for the people around you. When you leave a mess, you send the message that you consider yourself above everyone else – and see everyone else as your servant. If you are in a situation where it is expected that someone else will clean up for you, be sure to offer gratitude for their service.

Manners for Greetings & Leavings

• Greetings – Whenever you meet anyone, new or familiar, you should offer a greeting (Good morning, good afternoon, etc.). You should offer a handshake as appropriate, and if outside, a nod of the head or tip of the hat to a lady. Men should always stand when greeting someone (women, actually, may remain seated).
• Always introduce people that are unfamiliar – This is usually the duty of a host or hostess, but if you should realize that two people have not been introduced, the onus is upon you to introduce the two. 
• Do not expect to be the center of attention – It’s one thing to have a charismatic personality. It’s quite another thing to expect to be the center of attention. Being loud, boisterous, or obnoxious is actually an exercise of pridefulness and does not invite others into social interaction. Even if you have a charismatic personality, be sure not to make the conversation all about you. Invite others in and be a good listener. Remember that conversation needs to flow both ways. 
• Refer to everyone by title – This means that everyone should be called mister, missus, reverend, doctor, etc. Until a person grants you permission to call him by first name, you should not use his first name. If you do not know a person’s name, or if they are of significantly higher social standing, you should use sir or ma’am.
• Welcome someone inside – If you are hosting, you must invite all your guests inside.  If you invite someone into your home, you must take his jacket, gloves, umbrella, etc. This communicates that you are offering hospitality and respect to your guest. Likewise, if you are a guest, it is rude to enter unless you are invited in. When you do enter, be sure to wipe your feet. This shows respect and gratitude to your host.
• Deliver a good handshake -When you meet someone, you should offer a handshake. There is a proper way to shake hands. For a proper handshake, you should stand with feet set. Do not walk and shake hands. You should be standing still. Make eye contact. Your handshake should occur during your introduction. Always offer your right, even if you are left-handed, unless you cannot offer your right for one reason or another. Squeeze with a firm grip, but not crushing. Shake once or twice, then let go. You may opt for a two-handed shake, which involves cupping the other person’s hand with your right hand, or putting your left hand on the other person’s forearm, elbow, or shoulder. This is usually a more intimate maneuver, and should be reserved for more intimate occasions. Some women may offer their hand to be held briefly rather than shaken. 
• Parting sentiment -When departing, you should again offer a handshake as appropriate, and offer a parting sentiment (Good day, good evening, good night, etc.). Make your sentiment formal and meaningful. Phrases like, ‘Have a good one’ come across as trite and insincere.