A good deed is never lost. He who sows courtesy, reaps friendship and he who plants kindness, gathers love. Pleasure bestowed on a grateful mind is spotlessly clean and generally, gratitude begets reward. Courtesies cannot be borrowed like snow shovels; we must have some of our own. Let us learn from the following encouraging thoughts inspired by the writings of an unknown writer.

Courtesy is the use of polite manners. A courteous person is respectful and considerate of others. Courteous behavior requires a selfless attitude and can give our perspective on the situation of others. It can build our reputation as a respectable and thoughtful person. It means being polite and treating others with equal respect as we would treat ourselves. Courtesy and manners go hand-in-hand as courtesy means putting good manner into practice.

Showing consideration and good manners brings out a feeling of being worthy which being courteous entails. The problem with common courtesy is that, we easily forget about it. So little effort is required to be courteous that actually, it takes less effort and energy than to be harsh. Everyone wants to be acknowledged and appreciated. To be able to achieve that, we need to be courteous towards people if we want the same treatment for ourselves. Even in situations where we have authority over some people and we need to tell them what to do, we must not exert a negative authority over them. It is more pleasant to ask them in a courteous way. Bosses who treat their subordinates with courtesy always have a much loyal and productive staff.

Chances are, our parents taught us to say "thank you" and "you're welcome," but a courteous attitude is about more than the basics. When we watch our behavior, we do not embarrass ourselves nor others. We can always look for ways to help and please others. For instances, when we open the door for someone whose hands are full, we not only do courteous behaviors, it also makes us a more pleasant person to be around.

I have learned that courteous behavior is directly related to showing respect: avoiding from telling others what to do, interrupting and criticizing. Instead, we should make a habit of asking, listening, complimenting and thanking to show respect. I have always been trying to identify and pinpoint areas where I am lacking in courtesy and have been trying very hard to improve them. I had the tendency to interrupt people and I am so grateful that somebody closed to me pointed that out. I did realize how someone must have felt when I interrupted them during the conversation.

It is not very hard to notice that there are some of us who portray ourselves as arrogant, discourteous or resentful by ignoring or not responding when message or greetings are sent to them. Obviously these people may have inferiority complex or may have relationship troubles with their family, friends or in dealing with their daily routine activities. Showing unconcern for others' feelings, a critical attitude and inconsiderate behaviors, creates an atmosphere of tension and frustration. It is common that such behaviors may pass without confrontation and emotions but such rude conducts can send a message to others that these people do not accept, appreciate, approve nor respect others.

I have learned that by just being courteous, many brilliant and talented people would have been successful in life, but have ignored the opportunity or chance by losing grip of one of the simplest and most noble virtues in the world. There is every reason to be courteous and no justification for rudeness, by treating other people with respect and dignity. Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength. So, it is in our own best interest to always, at all time, exhibit courtesy in all we do and forge ahead in life with confidence. Let us take this as a courtesy call to every one of us.

  By Tim Pedrosa