Way back in 1940 my dad was conscripted into the army and I didn’t see him again until he returned home from Burma in 1947 during the Christmas holiday.
My mother was unable to afford the family home in 1941 and moved into a house next door to her parents. It had been vacated when the owners evacuated for the duration of the war. We were allowed to stay there until a new council house was available in mid 1948.
My maternal grandfather was an alcoholic and though I didn’t realise it at the time - a chauvinist and wife beater. My mother and her 2 brothers and 4 sisters did not have a happy upbringing and before I came along my mother and two aunts joined the Temperance Society. Despite the difficulties my parents faced in those years, I had a happy childhood despite a strict upbringing where manners and respect for others, especially ladies, were insisted upon. Breaches were rewarded by a crack with her favourite wooden spoon.
To this day – the manners drummed into me as a young boy and teenager live on. I am a walking, talking, example of being frozen in time and a poor fit in modern society where good manners, respect for others, honesty and common sense are being steadily eroded. I could compete with Jacob Rees-Mogg in conservatism (with a small C)
Some of my more Woke friends rib me about it – but it’s a bit like the ability to ride a bike – once you get used to it, it’s something you never forget.
These are just some of my old habits – in no particular order – listed as they spring to mind whilst I type this.
Stand up to greet someone
Walk on the kerb-side of the pavement when with a lady
No elbows on tables (plus no phone on the table nowadays)
Open and close doors for ladies, elderly and infirm. Thank those who do it for you.
Stand up when a lady first enters the room
Don’t start eating until everyone is sat at the table and served
Be punctual
Take your turn in queues
Take and make phone calls out of the room when in company
Switch the TV off when visitors arrive
Never use bad language in polite company
Eat with your mouth closed. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Don’t yawn in company
Though it doesn’t apply to me now – control your kids not just at home but when in company. Badly behaved brats in shops and restaurants infuriate me.
Maintain eye contact when in conversation
Offer your seat to ladies and those who clearly need one
Good manners and proper behaviour don't cost - am I now a grumpy old man living in the past?
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