Skip to main content

Let's at least try. . .

Eeewww!  Didn't his mother ever tell him not to do that?

Let's at least try, in the era of almost everyone over-sharing, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and nothing-ever-seems-to-be-kept-private-anymore to reclaim and maintain some standards of pleasant, polite behavior.  And I'm talking to us average guys.  It's as much a part of kicking up our personal style a notch or three as classic clothing, shoes, and accessories.  Really, it is.  You could be the best dressed, most educated, most financially well off, and most physically attractive person in a room, but crass behavior will undermine all of that.  Fast.  Trust me.

How we look and behave -- and no, it's not nice, but it's a fact of life -- speak volumes about us, who we are, and where we come from.  A sloppy appearance combined with bad language and unrefined behavior will keep lots of people -- family, potential dates, spouses, co-workers, and supervisors for example -- from 'hearing' anything that you might have to say.  Even if it is the most profound observation or vital piece of information.  

So, the message for today is this.  Let's stop glorifying the crass, the boorish, the stupid, the crude, and the ignorant in others and ourselves.  Let's begin by reigning in our own behaviors and strive for some sophistication and refinement.  There's nothing wrong with that.  

Pay attention things like grooming (in all senses), common courtesy and decency in all situations, and basic table manners.  Make it your business to learn the ropes of pleasant behavior.  The basic social P's & Q's if you will.  No more excuses.  These are extremely important skills, personally and professionally speaking.  And the chances are pretty good that those around you will appreciate your efforts even if they say nothing.

An easy-to-remember rule of thumb is this.  Think before you let it all hang out.  If there is ever any doubt in your mind about some habit or behavior of yours that might potentially embarrass, irritate, or offend someone else, you probably shouldn't do it.  And if you can't, or refuse, to see my point?  Well, there's nothing I can do about it.  But our paths will never cross for more than a few moments anytime soon.  Of that, I can assure you.

Comments

Popular Posts

The Pleasaures of a Well-trained Dog. . .

  A few final photographs from my visit to my sister in Washington, D.C. last week.  These include  one of 'Mr. Beau,' my sister's meticulously trained and truly wonderful Doberman, another of my sister, second cousin, step-father, and yours truly on the steps of the church outside Lexington, North Carolina just after our late mother's interment service, two of me solo at the National Cathedral, and a final one of my sister and me hamming it up during a long evening walk the day before I returned to Michigan. My sister routinely walks to the cathedral, about three blocks from her place, to enjoy the grounds and gardens.  The Bishop's Garden, in particular, is a place she likes to sit for quiet contemplation and internal dialogues with our late maternal grandparents and mother, very much in keeping with the Episcopal side of things.  Our grandfather, who was raised Methodist, became an Episcopalian when he married our grandmother.   Before you ask, I am not sure tha

It's All about That Bass: Goodnight Tonight - Paul McCartney & Wings - 1979

Almost Mid-June Sunday Style. . .

  A fter two months, Blogger has decided to allow me in the door once again, so I can add a long overdue post documenting my take on classic male style.  Since we are almost in the throes of summer, let's go with a warm weather theme this morning. Now, the items above will not be to everyone's taste:  Deck shoes without socks, shorts, pleats, skinny pale legs, etc.  All invite tisk-tisking and debate in certain online fora, but that's ok.   I wouldn't wear attire this to campus Monday through Friday, or to church.  But for relaxed, comfortable warm weather-wear around the house during the weekends, with maybe a quick trip down the road for a gallon of milk at the super market, this will do nicely, thank you very much.   It's certainly preferable to the wrinkled, torn, stained sloppy alternative we see everywhere in 2022.  Neither is it at all far removed from how the various men and boys across three generations of my extended family presented themselves during even