Why Manners Are Important

In just about every culture there is some code of conduct that you could call “manners.” Why is this? What’s the point of manners, and why are they important?

Manners are important for a variety of reasons. Parents need to make a point of teaching their children manners, too, to help their children grow into successful adults.

Here are some reasons why manners are important and why they should be taught to children.

Respect

Manners are a way of showing respect, both for yourself and others. They indicate that you are concerned for the sensibilities and reactions of other people. If you say “please,” for instance, you are conveying to the other person that he or she has a choice as to whether or not to do something for you. It becomes an optional request rather than a demand. Manners show that you have taken the time to consider how your actions and words impact others.

Manners also show that you respect yourself, because you’ve taken the time to learn how to be polite. You have estimated yourself as being worthy and capable of learning the ropes of polite society.

Success in Life

It’s hard to deny that good manners help kids and adults succeed. After all, who is going to hire someone rude? Who’s going to invite a rude child to a birthday party? Teachers, professors, bosses, supervisors, relatives…the list goes on of people whose favor will be easier to garner if you have good manners.

Relationships

Whether professional or personal, relationships are affected by the presence or absence of manners. If you take someone out on a date, her or she will be watching to see if you have good manners or not, and may choose not to go out with you again if your manners are poor.

If you are in a job interview, the business may choose not to hire you if you have bad manners, even if your skills are exceptional and relevant. Many jobs, including entrepreneurships, require you to interact with clients and customers. Bad manners could mean lost business.

Cultural Identity

Manners are a way of identifying with your own culture and the cultures of other people. If you learn the manners in another country or culture, you will be more likely to make a good impression. Learning the manners in your own culture can be a way to explore historical practices, customs, and other interesting facts about your culture. Manners bind us together as a people and bridge the gap between people groups.

Good manners really come down to caring about others. It’s polite to laugh at an un-funny joke so the person who told the joke doesn’t feel awkward or bad; it’s polite to say thank you so that the person who gave something to you feels appreciated. Manners are, ultimately, a way of caring about other people.

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