Friday, November 5, 2010

Missed Manners

It finally happened. That thing I had heard about for years but never experienced until now.
Teens with bad manners.
My house is a little different than most. My children were always treated as human beings, just smaller versions. Never talked down to, always allowed an opinion. We never did the baby talk thing or acted as if they were somehow intellectually deficient just because they were children. They were given choices and treated with respect. In return they were expected to treat others the same way. Even people they may not like are respected. My Mother-in-law and I (miss you Muriel!), got into many a fight over things I did when my girls were little. She didn't think it was right to expose them to the things I sometimes did. We got into one really big war the time I took them at the ages of 3 and 4 to the remains of a house fire. I wanted them to see first hand what happened when you played with matches. It worked, they never did. Anyway, whether it was by our actions and deeds or I was just lucky, I have two of the nicest, socially adept daughters on the planet. Yes, they have opinions. Yes, they may say rude things. But they keep them to themselves or at least say them quietly! Other peoples' feelings are always taken into consideration. We joke and carry on and say things to each other, but, always in fun and never, ever, hurtful.
I have heard that teenagers are horrible people. Yet, every time I go shopping by myself, cane in tow, I get nothing but help from, YES, teenage boys! They go out of their way to open doors for me. Chivalry appears to be alive and well. I find the boys are nicer and more polite than the girls and most so called grown-ups! It's really appreciated guys!
Anyway.
So lately things have changed. And not for the better, sadly. I am somewhat overwhelmed by events in my own world. I have met the teenagers others refer to. Sigh. I spend a lot of my free time and most of my spare cash being taxi driver. I don't mind doing this, really I don't. But, would it kill the passengers to say hello?, how are you today? thanks for the ride? kiss my ass? something, anything to acknowledge my presence? I used to get more recognition when I did actually drive a cab! When staying for dinner, a thanks or some comment on the food would be nice! ( I am somewhat conceited about my cooking and like to hear dinner was good). When going home at the end of your visit, maybe a good-bye would be appropriate?
I guess the point is I don't like feeling like I am invisible. Or that I should write welcome on my forehead. I don't want a constant pat on the back or to be told that I am awesome ( I already know that), just to feel like I am not your personal chauffeur, cook and atm machine!

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