Manners Count

Lynn Truss, the woman who wrote the best selling grammar Eats, Shoots and Leaves, has written a missive on manners. Apparently, the book is more of a diatribe on the decline of courtesy and politeness in human society. I didn't read the whole article because it was getting into the realm of bickering, bitching, and moaning - which I hear enough of in my own life.

However, she does have a point. And, because diatribes about personal pet peeves is obviously lucrative, I thought I'd add a few of my own.

What's with people saying "have a good one" ? I understand that it has become a mindless phrase that most people don't even think about when they say it - and that it generally indicates a neutral wish of good will. But, I always want to ask "a good one what?"

Cell phones. Do people know just how stupid they appear when they blather on cell phones in public places? I particularly hate people who talk rudely, loudly on cell phones in restaurants and while drinking coffee, applying make up, and screaming at their kids while driving. But, I frequently have the urge to join in the conversation when I hear people discussing things that really and truly they should excuse themselves to a more private location to discuss. I also always feel bad for people who are out to eat with a companion, and the companion spends much of the event on the phone.

Phone manners. I hate calling businesses and getting treated to someone who lacks basic manners. I deliberately did not take my critters to a specific vet in our community because the people who answered the clinic's phones was so unprofessional and rude. I also hate the many many calls from "wrong numbers" who open their conversations rudely. I remember being awakened at 5:30 one morning by someone screaming "Elmer, where the hell are you?" in my ear. I always laugh at the name Elmer -- but not that morning. When I said "who?" they hung up on me with out apology. I remember an evening spent fielding calls from a woman who had the wrong number. Apparently, the guy she was romantically involved with either intentionally or "accidentally" gave her the wrong number. Rather than accept the possibility that he didn't want her finding him, she assumed her fella was cheating on her. (Boy would she have been surprised if she had known that I am a monkey!! I bet she would have seen that as an even greater betrayal than the one she thought she was dealing with.) She called probably 30 times in the course of 90 minutes. Each time, she refused to consider the possibility that I was anything other than a rival for her love's affections. Finally, we had a heart to monkey talk about the fickle nature of love and betrayal and moving on.

I do want you readers to notice that I have not said a word about human vs. Monkey biases pervasive in your society -- or the assumption that everyone is a "christian" or "heterosexual" or "literate" or "english speaking" or have arms in proportion with one's torso.