New Years Resolutions: 12 ways to improve your manners in 2011

An article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, "Resolving to meet the ongoing challenge of living well,"  mentions a song by Glen Campbell.  In the author's opinion, the words of the song map a strategy living and suggest that readers consider the words when making resolutions for 2011.

As we approach the end of another year most people will commit to a laundry list of resolutions.  Many resolutions will include dieting and fitness, financial commitments, religious affirmations, etc. 

As reported by USA Today, “best-laid resolutions will fade away before they even get off the ground, we often dismiss new year's goal-making as irrelevant and useless.” 

Instead of making a commitment that you probably will not keep up with by March, why not try something new in 2011?  Resolve to improve your manners on a month to month basis. 

Here are some ways to slowly commit to perfecting your manners in 2011.  Only make one commitment per month.  Make this commitment a habit and by the next month you can move on to the next manners resolution.

January – Thank You Notes

Make a resolution to send a thank you note for every Christmas gift you received.  When that’s done, try sending a note for something kind that someone may have done for you.  Send 31 Thank You Notes in January.  By February, the act of sending Thank You Notes will become second nature.

February – Smile

Do everything with a smile.  If you’re scolding your children, firing a insubordinate employee, or returning defective merchandise.  Make a resolution to put a smile on your face.  This will help your attitude, thus making your manners more genteel.

March – Eat at the table

Eat every meal at a dining table – no, tv trays don’t count.  No matter how tempting, if you sit at a table to eat your meals you’ll be more conscious of your dining skills or lack of them. 

April – Say goodbye to yeah

Practice saying YES, with an emphasis on the S.  You’ll find that you sound so much more respectful and refined if you adopt this habit.

May – No texting

Make a strong effort to pick up the phone when you need to communicate with someone.  Work on your verbal communication skills.  So many important messages get lost in translation when texting.

June – Improve your posture

The summer is the perfect time to work on your posture.  You should practice sitting up straight, and walking with confidence.

July – Look them in the eyes

When conversing with others look them directly in the eyes.  You should not stare at them but you must engage them.  Shifting your eyes from the person you are talking to, appears that you are uninterested, bored and lack confidence.

August – No limp fish hands

Nothing is worse than shaking hands with someone with a weak handshake.  Make sure your handshake is firm and strong without being overpowering.

September – Refrain from asking personal questions

How much your friends make or how they spend their money is none of your business.  When they plan to have children or how many or if they are done is also – you guessed it – none of your business.  Take care to not inquire about the personal business of others.

October – Please, thank you and you’re welcome

These words are often forgotten in this fast paced society.  Add these back to your vernacular and your friends and family will feel much better about you and your manners.

November – Read

Make etiquette your topic of choice.  We all need to be reminded about the rules governing our manners.  Stop by your local bookstore and browse the self-improvement section.  You are sure to find an etiquette book written in a style that suits you.

December – No gossiping

Remember the old adage, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”  Well, that still rings true.  Try very hard – no matter how tempting – to only speak well of others. 

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