In the absence of good manners in our daily lives and today's society, those who practice good etiquette are often times highlighted and stand out. If our manners determine our place or status in society, we are not only failing society, we are failing our children and have reached a new low. I am astonished to see the diminished levels of etiquette among adults in today's society and to see these manners being transferred to children. However, good manners are not totally eliminated from our society. There is hope that regardless if our lives are filled with so much stress that we are able to maintain a level of humanity and respect for self and for those around us. I am calling for a resurgence of good manners in today's society.

The simplest definition of etiquette is "the prescribed forms and practice of how one act in society." If we lived in the world alone, we would not have to be concerned with how we act. However, since our daily encounters involve interactions with others throughout our day, we have to consider how we act around others. Etiquette is exemplified at even the most basic functions in our lives. From your home life to work and church, what you do will determine how others judge or think of you. Just as any doctor will prescribe medicine if you are sick to make you better, I am prescribing that we all practice good manners in our lives.

It takes only three (3) seconds for someone to form an opinion of you upon first meeting you. First impressions are hard to reverse and the level of manners you display determines making a great first impression. The way you dress, the way you speak, how you groom yourself, and many other factors play a paramount role in how others think of you. Since etiquette is a prescribed practice, I recommend that we continue to practice making good decision and positively impacting and affecting those around us.

Answer the following questions to determine your level of good manners.

• When you are in your car and someone wants to cut in, do you allow the person from cutting in?

• Do you have a sit down dinner with your family at least three times a week? I recommend sitting down eating dinner daily with family.

• If you are in the grocery line and have a cart full of grocery and the person behind you have less than 10 products, do you let that person go ahead of you?

• For males, do you open the car door always for your date, girlfriend or wife?

• For females, on a date, are you the one paying for the date more often than the male?

Congratulations to those who answered yes to every question except the last one. You are on your way to making a great and outstanding first and lasting impression. The more we think of how we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us; the more we can make a positive impact to society and lessen the stress we face daily. When I say "good morning, afternoon or good evening" to someone, it completely changes their day and catch them off guard. Simple things go a long way in the lives of others. Let us continue to display good manners and demand those around you to do the same. As adults and as parents, what we do and how we act have a direct impact on our children. We lead and teach our children by example. We can make a positive impact on the next generation by practicing good manners because etiquette really starts at home.