The Value Of Please & Thank You
“Can you pass that book,” Sister Marcia said, pointing with her finger, as I sat listening to the sermon.
“Sure” I responded a little peeved that she neglected to say please.
Handing the book to her I expected to hear a polite thank you. None came. She grabbed the book and flipped through the pages. I sat in my seat stewing over the fact that Sister Marcia had no manners. She treated me like a slave.
My mind raced. Lost in thought I pondered, “Who does she think she is? I am not a dog that must fetch things for her. I am a human being and I deserve to be treated with respect.”
I wanted to say something but I was scared of having a big confrontation over something that many may view as trivial. But it was not trivial to me. Christ commanded us to treat others the way we want to be treated. That includes “please” and “thank you” at least I think so.
I watched as Sister Marcia enjoyed the workshop. She was all settled into her seat, notepad in hand and the book proudly displayed at her side. I was not able to enjoy the sermon, it was ruined for me. Why? Because I got no please and no thank you.
Does this sound familiar? Does this happen in your home? At your church? At family gatherings? Are courtesy and respect relics of the past? As I look around and observe conversations between parents and children, husbands and wives, or even between youths and their friends “please” and “thank you” are noticeably missing. No, it is not missing in every conversation but when I hear those precious words it draws my attention. Why? Because it is a rare thing.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that my eldest son, age 13, was starting to request things without using the word “please.” My youngest son, age 4, has been struggling with “please” and “thank you” for a few months (it seems as though he has a case of amnesia). I finally decided that the only way to get through to them was to ignore them. I told them both, “I do not hear you without a ‘please’ or a ‘thank you.’ I can not comprehend your words. If you want me to respond to you must speak the magic words.”
Amazingly they got the message. I have been at it for about two and a half weeks and the results are astounding. Now if I could get Sister Marcia to do it too I could patent the idea and strike it rich.
“Sure” I responded a little peeved that she neglected to say please.
Handing the book to her I expected to hear a polite thank you. None came. She grabbed the book and flipped through the pages. I sat in my seat stewing over the fact that Sister Marcia had no manners. She treated me like a slave.
My mind raced. Lost in thought I pondered, “Who does she think she is? I am not a dog that must fetch things for her. I am a human being and I deserve to be treated with respect.”
I wanted to say something but I was scared of having a big confrontation over something that many may view as trivial. But it was not trivial to me. Christ commanded us to treat others the way we want to be treated. That includes “please” and “thank you” at least I think so.
I watched as Sister Marcia enjoyed the workshop. She was all settled into her seat, notepad in hand and the book proudly displayed at her side. I was not able to enjoy the sermon, it was ruined for me. Why? Because I got no please and no thank you.
Does this sound familiar? Does this happen in your home? At your church? At family gatherings? Are courtesy and respect relics of the past? As I look around and observe conversations between parents and children, husbands and wives, or even between youths and their friends “please” and “thank you” are noticeably missing. No, it is not missing in every conversation but when I hear those precious words it draws my attention. Why? Because it is a rare thing.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that my eldest son, age 13, was starting to request things without using the word “please.” My youngest son, age 4, has been struggling with “please” and “thank you” for a few months (it seems as though he has a case of amnesia). I finally decided that the only way to get through to them was to ignore them. I told them both, “I do not hear you without a ‘please’ or a ‘thank you.’ I can not comprehend your words. If you want me to respond to you must speak the magic words.”
Amazingly they got the message. I have been at it for about two and a half weeks and the results are astounding. Now if I could get Sister Marcia to do it too I could patent the idea and strike it rich.
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posted by Secret Treasures @ 8:09 AM
1 Comments:
At 10:36 AM,
Pat Miller said…
Hi Michelle
Yes I too have noticed the thank you and please word disappear from our language. This remined me do I say those words when
-someone compliments me on my hair or dress etc? or do I go on to explain where I got the dress or who cut my hair.
- Do I say thank you to my husband when he decides to vacuum through the house. I know this week He that for me I was at my lowest point physically and we where having 11 people in for supper. As he finished the vaccuuming. I was thinking this very thing . Should I say thank you or not . I decided he does not say thank you to me for all the household chores I do why should I thank him. I did end up thanking him. Why just to let him know I do appreciate his help when he sinces I am pooped.
Pat Miller ladybird39pm
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