21 Basic Human Courtesies That Have Disappeared

Today, the buzz of technology dominates our daily lives, while subtle gestures of kindness and respect have slipped through the cracks. Yet, the charm of old-fashioned manners beckons us to reconsider their value. Let’s rediscover the elegance they bring to our lives, one gesture at a time.

Handwritten Letters

Once a staple of personal communication, handwritten letters showcased thoughtfulness and effort. Today, they’ve been replaced by emails and texts, losing the personal touch. Receiving a letter in the mail now feels like a rare treasure.

Visiting Cards

People used to announce their visits with a card, a practice that lent a formal touch to social calls. This small gesture symbolized respect and intention. Now, a quick text or call has taken its place, sacrificing ceremony for convenience.

Proper Introductions

Introducing people with thoughtful consideration to their titles and relationships was once common. It showed respect and attention to social dynamics. Nowadays, introductions are often rushed or overlooked entirely.

RSVPing Promptly

Responding to invitations promptly showed respect for the host’s planning and effort. It was a sign of good manners and consideration. Today, late or non-responses have become frustratingly common.

Dress Codes

Adhering to event dress codes signified respect for the occasion and its significance. It was a way to honor the host’s request and the event’s ambiance. Casual attire has now become widely acceptable, blurring the lines of dress codes.

Thank You Notes

Sending a thank you note after receiving a gift or attending a dinner was a must. It expressed gratitude and acknowledged the giver’s thoughtfulness. This charming practice has largely been forgotten.

Table Manners

Table manners were once taught as essential, from using utensils correctly to keeping elbows off the table. These rules fostered a respectful dining atmosphere. Today, casual dining often overlooks these niceties.

Respecting Elders

Addressing elders with titles and showing deference was a universal sign of respect. It acknowledged their experience and status. Modern interactions frequently ignore age-based respect.

Door Holding

Holding the door for the person behind you was a simple act of courtesy. It reflected awareness and consideration for others. While still seen, the practice is less automatic than in past generations.

Listening Attentively

Giving someone your full attention during a conversation was a sign of respect. It showed that you valued their thoughts and presence. The prevalence of smartphones has made attentive listening a rare commodity.

Offering Your Seat

Offering your seat to someone in need, whether on public transport or in a waiting room, was a common courtesy. It displayed empathy and respect for comfort. This gesture is now less frequent, as people are often absorbed in their own worlds.

Walking on the Outside

Men walking on the street side of the sidewalk to protect women from splashes was a chivalrous act. It symbolized protection and courtesy. Such protective gestures are often seen as outdated or unnecessary today.

Avoiding Interruptions

Waiting for one’s turn to speak in a conversation was a mark of politeness. It showed respect for the speaker’s thoughts while putting your own on the back burner. The art of patiently listening without interrupting seems to be dwindling.

Addressing by Last Names

Using Mr., Mrs., or Miss followed by the last name was standard in formal introductions. It maintained a level of respect and distance. First-name basis has become the norm, even in professional settings.

Hat Etiquette

Men removing their hats indoors was a sign of respect and good breeding. This gesture acknowledged the formality of indoor spaces. The rule is largely ignored in contemporary settings.

Punctuality

Arriving on time was considered a basic aspect of respect for the person you were meeting. It signified that you valued their time as much as your own. Tardiness has become more accepted, often excused by the ease of sending a quick message.

Offering to Help with Coats

Offering to help someone with their overcoat was a common courtesy, especially in colder climates. It was a small but meaningful way to show care. This thoughtful gesture is rarely seen today.

Personal Space

Respecting personal space, especially in public settings, was a sign of good manners. It demonstrated consideration for others’ comfort and boundaries. Crowded public spaces now often see this courtesy overlooked.

Silencing Devices

Turning off or silencing electronic devices in theaters, during meals, or in meetings was a sign of respect. It ensured that attention was focused on the present moment and people. The frequent interruptions of notifications have made this practice less common.

Speaking Softly in Public

Keeping one’s voice down in public spaces was a courtesy that prevented disturbing others. It showed awareness of one’s surroundings and respect for the public space shared by all. Loud conversations, often amplified by speakerphone or video calls, have become the norm.

Paying Compliments

Offering genuine compliments was a way to show appreciation and foster positive interactions. It was a simple yet powerful way to uplift someone. While still practiced, the art of giving meaningful compliments seems less prevalent amidst the noise of social media validation.