My first gripe comes with returning telephone/cell phone calls. I was taught that when someone calls you, it is polite to return the calls as soon as possible. (I guess other weren’t taught to be this considerate!) I leave messages requesting a return call, but often never hear back from the receiver in a timely fashion. Sometimes days go by without a return call.

I, too, am a busy person. Out of courtesy, however, I try to return calls the very day I receive them or, at least, by the next day. It takes just a couple of minutes and this shows the caller that he or she is important. Besides, some callers may provide an exciting opportunity that requires an immediate response. I learned this the hard way. In the past, when I wasn’t so diligent about returning calls, I missed out on some great activities.

Another gripe—a really big one—is when people I’m with answer telephone or cell phone calls and then talk on and on for minutes at a time. This makes me feel that the person on the other end of the call is more important than I am. This is especially maddening when I’m on a date. Let me just say, a guy who does this moves way down on my list!

I’m not saying that my friends and dates need to turn off their cell phones or avoid the telephone when they are with me or someone else. A compromise would be to answer and say “I’m sorry I can’t talk right now. I’ll call you back.” I can live with this and this is what I do when I get a call. Unfortunately, others don’t seem to know these words.

Telephones were invented to help make our lives easier. Cell phones advanced this technology so that we could be constantly in touch with others. Neither advancement was intended, I am sure, to destroy civility. People, especially some of my friends, have done this all on their own!

Speaking of manners. When did “please” and “thank you” drop out of the English language? I have friends that say things like “Pick me up….” or “Can I borrow…” without ever using the word “please.” And when I do a favor for them, there’s never a “thank you.”

I learned the hard way (my mother’s constant drilling) that life is much more pleasant when I use good manners when dealing with others. And I’ve learned to appreciate when other’s use good manners with me!