What do you do to make the world a better place?

[CynJ]

People often look at me in amazement when I say "excuse me" or "thank you" when I am out at a store or other public place - its as if they don't know how to respond to common courtesy anymore.

Good manners is something that I personally work very hard at because I feel that being polite and courteous to others makes the world a little bit nicer to live in.

I know its not creating world peace but its something I do - what do you do to make the world a nicer place?

 

[browneyes]

I try to sneak a smile into a friend's life somehow in someway when they least expect it.

I also say please, thank you and excuse me. Even to inanimate objects.

I also try to not say too much when I'm too cranky.

 

[tmli]

I agree good manners are a great way to make the world a little happier.

More important is I've taught my son to do the same.......he's taking the concept and running with it. It's amazing though how many people will not thank a 6yr old for holding the door for them.

I also believe a smile and a friendly hello are nice to share as well!

 

[snoopy]

My contribution to making the world a nicer place is mentoring children. Not just my own children, but many nieces, nephews, children of friends, and kids that I have taught in Art. Goodness knows they are like sponges - they absorb everything we say and do - and by setting a good example to the children in my life, I feel like I am providing them with hopefully one of many role models.

Nice thread! Looking forward to reading some more responses.

 

[Serena]

Cyn, I get those same strange looks.

I do random little things too. They may not mean much to most people, but it may mean something to the person getting it.
I try to be extra nice at least one time a day.

 

[glo]

Browneyes, I do the same thing with friends. I really try to make things better by bringing a smile or two their way. I also try to make sure I say please , thank you and excuse me whenever I should. I think manners are very important , and try to make sure my children do too. I also teach, and hopefully making a difference there too

 

[olena]

Well.....you're in Connecticut. I lived there for a year and I RARELY came across people with the manners that I was taught. I would get those looks.....especially when I held doors open for people.

When I moved back home, I was back in high cotton....so to speak. I was back among my own kind and plenty of well-mannered folks.

 

[Bunchkin]

Good manners are always a given with me. Especially towards people I know it will annoy.

I also stay away from people who tick me off. If I didn't my little world would be more hostile. I figure this must be helpful to mankind in some way.

 

[CruiserDew73]

Originally posted by CynJ
People often look at me in amazement when I say "excuse me" or "thank you" when I am out at a store or other public place - its as if they don't know how to respond to common courtesy anymore.

Yeah! The store employees just have the most AMAZED looks when u thank them for something... odd...

 

[CathyCanada]

I volunteer on a Pre-School Speech & Language Committee and chair it. When Patrick was little I had to fight like hell to get him speech services and we were always on waiting lists for treatment. I don't want any other parents to have to go through the frustration that I did and this program helps to ensure that.
CC

 

[CourtasanSatine]

random acts of kindness,good manners and I sometimes leave a dollar bill in a book that goes back to the library(in a book a kid would read)

 

[hmp2z]

I taught for the past 2 years at an inner city school. It was horrible, but those are the kids who can't keep teachers around, so I think it was a worthwhile experience. I can't hack it for more than that, though - next year I'm off to a school that only has 30% free/reduced lunch kids. Maybe I'll be back to inner city in a few years, but I definitely need a break right now...
Other big thing we do is take in foster dogs - the Animal Control here kills 100% of all their pit bulls, regardless of temperament, b/c they don't have time to screen the owners and don't want to adopt to fighters. The only way the dogs even get a chance is if someone will foster them through a rescue organization, and then the rescue group will adopt them out. It's hard to let go, but worth it, I think.
Also volunteer at a no-kill Humane Society here.
Manners are a given, of course
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Ilove8Trax]

I am as positive as i can possibly be. Even if i'm not so upbeat with myself all the time, i always encourage others, especially when they are down. Sometimes, i feel like i may be fooling myself with the + mind set, but there are people out there who do notice it and appreciate it. I was talking with friends one day and somehow I became the subject and one of my friends said something like, "Lesley always puts things into prospective and always makes you feel better...more grounded"

I felt wonderful after hearing that and knew that what i did (and DO) for people, in the smallest amount, means everything.

 

[shelle94]

Today I donated a cage to the local kitty shelter. It is run by just one woman and she does it out of her own pocket. I heard she just got in two litters of kittens and had no place to put them. She was very thankful and it made me feel wonderful.

 

[nativetxn]

I try very hard to make every person I meet, who is looking sad, smile. My husband thinks I'm weird but that's what I do

 

[mickey65]

I send little 'you're special' notes to the kids and staff at school. No one ever knows who will end up with one on their desk. I put a little message on it, like 'you are such a great helper in the school' or 'your smile lights up a room'. I never sign it.....it just has a sprinkle of that pixie dust stuff you can buy in all different colours. I make sure that all the kids and staff get one at least once in the school year.

 

[honeywolf7]

I always hold doors/open doors for people....I was taught to do that in Catholic Elementary School and it stuck.

 

[Penny2]

Have to agree with the manners/politeness posters. Acting civilized in a sometimes uncivilized world won't change the the way of the world but it makes a difference. Being rude is a sign of a poor upbringing.

I don't let driving get to me anymore. Don't get me wrong...I wasn't the queen of road rage or anything but I sure used to get irritated. Turn up the stereo and forget about it!

I go out of my way to connect with people. Smiling and speaking to others isn't a BAD things! So many go around the world not even looking at other human beings...it's sad really.

I wish I was more altruistic and volunteered but it seems I have less and less time just to get done what I need to get done. I hope that some day soon, this will change.

 

[shelle94]

Wow, there are some very nice, polite people on this board. Mickey65, that's a really nice thing that you do. Morale where I work is really low lately and that just might do the trick to lift some spirits. I hope you don't mind if I steal that idea from you. You said you never sign it, but do people know it's you? I wonder how long I could do that before I would get caught.

 

[mickey65]

Shel, I don't mind at all if you share my idea!
I think some people have figured out it is me, but I try to keep they guessing by making sure I get one once in while, and by making sure they are delivered even when I am at a workshop and not at the school. Even if they know, they play along and really enjoy getting one.