I know you’ve probably heard already. I think everyone has.
Well, it’s true ~ I was grounded this week.
I know, I know ~ I’m a smart girl ~ I should know better. But I just had to know if I was nominated Prom Queen this year.
Tricia is grounded!
Wanna know how it all started?
You see, we have a rule that at dinnertime, there is no television, no radio, no cell phones and definitely no texting. Dinnertime is family time ~ it’s when we talk about our day, what’s on our minds and connect as a family.
I not only get that, I actually enjoy it. I do have a lot to say.
But this time it just seemed way too important not to bring my cell phone to the table. I wasn’t going to text ~ I was just going to receive a text. Ole Eagle Eyes caught me looking down one too many times and … well, the rest is history. My cell phone was taken away, I was grounded for a week and … yes … more … I had to write about common courtesies.
Actually, writing about common courtesies was the easiest part. It’s something that is just, well, common in our house. We have this posted on our refrigerator:
Life is short,
but there is always time enough for courtesy.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
We were taught to always appreciate each other, that no one is better than anyone else and the way we wanted to be treated is how we are to treat others. That makes sense.
A really long time ago (I think the late 1950s) an author named Emily Post started writing about proper etiquette and manners. She was the go to person. Here’s how common courtesies are described on her website:
Common courtesies are the little gestures that we perform out of respect for others.
They can be as simple as holding open a door or
letting someone go ahead in a long line,
to something as grand as sharing a homemade meal.
Most importantly, they are characterized by a specific awareness of our surroundings
and how our behaviors may affect those around us.
~ Emily Post
When I was really little, I was taught how to use the words “please” and “thank you.” These words are very important. At first, I wasn’t sure why, but as I got older, I realized that by saying them, I’m showing respect and appreciation.
I know I want to be respected and appreciated, so showing respect and appreciation to others just makes the world a better place.
If you light a lamp for someone else,
it will also brighten your path.
~ Buddha
Being grounded isn't too bad from the sun porch
Here’s what I know about common courtesies:
- Be respectful;
- Appreciate those around you;
- Do something without being asked;
- Say “please” and “thank you”;
- Don’t forget to also say “you’re welcome”;
- Hold the door for the person behind you; and
- Don’t text when you are with someone.
Sometimes, being kind takes practice. We have to practice other things like the piano or gymnastics. Well, we have to practice common courtesies as well. And, sometimes, we need reminders ~ like getting grounded ~ that respect for the ones you are with is very important.
Please be kind so we can make this world a better place!
Thank you.
Courtesies of a small and trivial character
are the ones which strike deepest
in the grateful and appreciating heart.
~ Henry Clay
Twitter: stacyvajta
says:
Thank you for the post
Twitter: msbyn
says:
What a wonderful reminder! I wish my mom would turn off her cell when she’s visiting. I swear that thing rings every 5 minutes!!! I know that she has work calls and whatnot, but it definitely makes me feel like I’m at the low end of the priority list when she has her phone to her ear more often than not.
I think the fact that cell phones are everywhere now have made it so hard to connect in an uninterrupted way in person.
Byn recently posted..Just for Fun: Let’s Learn our Alphabet for Bean with A.D.D. ABCs
You’re very welcome Stacy! and thank you for coming by for a visit.
That is so true Byn. It’s very sad. Talking to someone with no interruptions feeds the heart and soul and that’s the best nourishment!
Twitter: Storytimefun
says:
Love your post! I admire your ability to share your mistake in such a positive way. Very impressive!
I also enjoyed your quotes. I especially like the last one.
) Thank you for sharing!
K @ Storytime Fun recently posted..Bug ABC’S Blog Hop
Twitter: candilandco
says:
I have to remember to turn off my phone. There are many times it’s just not appropriate to have it go off. Thanks for the thoughts.
I am so glad you came by to visit and enjoyed my post ~ thank you for the compliment! Quotes are a favorite of mine ~ they seem to add a dash of something special.
I am curious about Storytime Fun and will be popping over.
Cell phones seem to have taken over our lives. It’s a good thing to turn it off now and again, not just to be present with someone else, but also for some personal down time. We all need that as we juggle family and work. Thanks for coming by Candi!
Twitter: nighlon
says:
I love this and Emily Post. My taught an etiquette class when I was growing up. I loved it- when I was a teenager, she got me the opportunity to help her with the class and to host Rotary functions in the area. When I got engaged, she gave me Post’s Wedding Etiquette book. If we don’t have courtesy and respect, we don’t have much at all. (It goes with southern charm, too).
Cari recently posted..The Hidden Recycler Plus a Giveaway! (With The Air Force Wife)
How totally perfect for a Southern girl to learn Southern charm and etiquette ~ goes so well with your accent! I’m glad to say that even in The Bronx, we learned common courtesies ~ or maybe it was because I went to Catholic school. Doesn’t matter, just glad I did. Yes, courtesy and respect are important. Thanks Cari for coming by ~ glad you stayed awhile.
Bravo to Tricia for understanding that what she did was wrong and impolite! Unfortunately, more and more people don’t even see that texting or talking on the phone when you’re with someone else is rude, hurtful even. Having someone present or fully engaged sometimes seem a luxury. I hope that we can somehow continue to use the term “COMMON courtesies”!
Corinne recently posted..Interruptions
I don’t know how or when it all happened ~ when the phone became so all important that one cannot go even a few hours without having it close by. It’s a bewilderment. Being fully present with another is such a gift ~ and being fully present when walking alone is a gift as well. Connecting in the present moment to where we are, who we are with I hope becomes the norm once again. Thank you for visiting ~ hope you have a gentle week.
That’s how I want my family dinners. No tv, no radio just us as a family. Doesn’t happen though. I am going to make it a rule that is how family dinner will be from now on.
Heather’s Happenings recently posted..The Pre School Screening
We live such busy lives these days, including the little ones, that making time at least at dinner to be together as a family is a great way to check in, make sweet memories and maybe a whole new tradition is carried on when they’re grown. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope your wish happens.
Twitter: cyu888
says:
This is such a great post! Growing up, it was pounded into my head how important those common courtesies are. But I feel like these days, those little things are often overlooked. Thank you for the reminder.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Finding Time for Fitness
You’re very welcome Christine ~ and so glad you came by for a visit.
Twitter: TinaLaneBlogs
says:
Isn’t it sad that manners have gone by the wayside? Though I will say now that I’m back in the South, everyone says thank yeuuuwww.
PS I’m saving that Buddha quote.
Tina L. Hook recently posted..Inspiration for Today: Overcoming Adversity
Love Southern accents. I’m hoping manners come back into fashion ~ kind of like bell bottoms. Thanks for stopping by.
(The Buddha quote is pretty great!)
Twitter: yourdailydance
says:
Love this and Emily Post too! The Buddha quote is awesome!
Your Daily Dance recently posted..Dance Company: What is the Commitment During the Week & on Weekends?
Twitter: mastermombrain
says:
What a great post…such a necessary lesson to focus on the people who are in front of you! Thank you for sharing
The Buddha quote seems to be a favorite of many, including me. Very glad you stopped by to visit.
You’re very welcome. Thank you for coming by.
See you at the tea party tomorrow!
Thanks for making me happy today!
Blond Duck recently posted..Wings 25
You’re very welcome … and Tricia and Patti are quite excited about the tea party tomorrow (Petie will be off playing baseball … boys will be boys). See you then!
Great post. We all need to remember this!
Sourire11 from LifeinCleveland recently posted..Instagramming a Sock
I do believe it would make for a gentler world if we did. Thanks for visiting!
Twitter: KelleysBreakRm
says:
This was great! I think there is definitely too much smart phone time in a household. I agree that it shouldn’t happen at the table. I have been guilty of having the phone around too much. Thanks for this reminder. I love the way you tell things from the dolls’ perspectives!
Kelley recently posted..Sheep are such nerds
Thanks Kelly for the compliment ~ always a great way to start the day!
We are working on some of these right now. Thankfully we all eat dinner without electronics at our house.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Muffin Tin Monday- Mama Duck’s Nesting
Twitter: MOLM2011
says:
Great post!
Don’t forget: if you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing!!
Have a great week!
Making Our Life Matter recently posted..Simple Woman’s Daybook~May 14th
I hope you had a fabulous Monday!
Blond Duck recently posted..Dancing
After your fabulous tea party, our neighborhood had its semi-annual progressive potluck … so, Monday was a slow but very good day.
Hurting someone is never a good thing ~ never. Thanks for coming by to visit.
How wonderful that your family dinners are electronic-free. Those memories you’re creating around the table will be remembered and carried on. Hope you have a gentle week.
Hope you’re doing well! Thank you for coming to the tea party!
Blond Duck recently posted..Creative Woman of the Pond: Charlotte