So, I'm musing the last few days on the idea of etiquette...I can't help but wonder actually, if anyone under the age of 25 even knows the word, let alone what it means. And for those of us in the 25-45 range, it might actually just be a word, something we might THINK we know the meaning of, but actually use the practice of it sparingly at best.

Have I lost you already? Or or you thinking I've simply lost my mind here? Stay with me. I'm thinking this through as I'm wondering frustratingly over what has happened to our ability to communicate with one another.

My husband was telling me the other day how frustrated he gets again and again when in his business meetings, he will begin to talk only to be interrupted or worse - not even heard at all - and then someone else will say the very same thing he did only moments ago...has this ever happened to you when speaking in a group setting? It makes you kind of...well...grrrrrrr.....that's all I can say here. I feel for him. I too have found the same thing happening all around me to myself and others and lately as I am completely curious and baffled over this social networking thing, created in the form of various web sites, I'm wondering, where did we go wrong? And yes...etiquette came to mind.

It used to be that you were actually TAUGHT etiquette in school - you actually took a class on how to behave in public. Whatever happened to that? Don't you think in times like these, when we have become so socially inept outside of the technical arena with one another...we could use a lesson or two on how to communicate with one another, how to listen, really listen to what someone is saying, how to make eye contact, how to be compassionate with all those around you, how to help people all around you, treat people, drive in public...you get where I'm going right? Simply put - could we not use a lesson or two in etiquette in order to learn how to be decent human beings who know how to behave with one another?

This sounds worse than it is, perhaps...but think about what is happening to our communication style...we go out with friends, share a meal, spend some time with one another...but at some point in your short time together - this time you've decided to reconnect and share with one another - you or those around you will have picked up a cell phone, 'crack-berry, i-phone, laptop and check out. What is so important, or MORE important that it can't wait? 

How many times in a store have you been getting service and the retailer just walks away to answer the phone, thus deciding you can wait and the phone is more important than you? Or you are attempting to have a conversation with someone, only to find that it's a one way conversation...the person who should be listening has actually no idea what you have just said - 'Oh look a bird' syndrome...how rude!

How often can you say you are keeping your friendships in check through status updates on social network internet sites like Facebook or Twitter? When was the last time you received an email from a friend or family member and they went through the site, not even bothering to email you the old fashioned way? What's going on?

We ache for relationship but have lost the ability to know how to find it, nurture it, keep it. We want peace in a seemingly hopeless world, but does it not need to start with the simple ability to communicate with one another, openly and honestly, choosing to be completely present? Have we lost the ability to be in one place at one time?

In reading this, what observations can you make on your own abilities in etiquette and communication? I am musing on this myself...let me know your thoughts, as always. :)

"Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than what is absolutely essential." ~Will Cuppy

Veronica Forsman CPC
YTI Coaching and Mentoring Services
http://www.yourtrueimage.ca
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Phone 403.971.1736

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