We All Do!
A word popped into my head this morning as I was driving to the office.
“Polite company.” Hmmm, now that is a thought that can take many twists and turns.
The social interaction that goes with the meal is more important than the plates .But we love it when the environment and the conversation dovetale into a memorable enjoyable gathering.
To have a company or business characterized by courtesy is one way to think of it, but that is not what we are talking about.
Polite company in former centuries referred to rules of behavior in a formal setting with people you might not know very well. (Thus, you might be on your best and quiet behavior.).
In a negative light you might refer to people who consider themselves to be upper class, refined or cultured as “Polite Society". The standards of behavior are clear to the people attending and there may not be a mix of cultures. People know the manners of their group and observe them.
We don’t usually dine in formal settings much anymore, but the rules still apply and today’s table settings are inventive and beautiful.
An example of good manners would be to say “please” and “thank you” in the exchange of goods, and when reaching or standing in front of someone to say “pardon me” or “excuse me”.
But let’s go a little deeper.
Someone who is truly polite shows consideration for others by his/her behavior. It is internal; it just comes out. Words to describe a polite person:
1.Pleasant
2. Civil
3. Refined
4. Well Mannered
5. Courteous
6. Kindly
7. Conciliatory
8. Chivalrous
9. Gracious
10. Cordial
Bottom Line: How you feel about yourself and others will be expressed in your behavior.
“Please pass the salt” and “May I offer you some more___” are ways of showing you care.
It might be good to brush up on behaviors of a "polite society" at the dinner table, and then set the most wonderful table for that special experience.