Manners...............

[simoncpg]

Last week fishing at Whitby, a young boy is fishing, with his mother and father watching, he casts out and his line snaps. A second attempt results in same. He approaches me and asks why this is happening. I inform him that he needs a shock leader to take up the strain of the cast. Sensing he has not got this gear I set about showing him how to tie one on. I do this and then untie it all and say ' NOW YOU DO IT'
which after a while and a few attemts he does. I give him some spare bits ands bobs, and he goes away. But before he goes, he says ' THANK YOU SIR.
Made my day.

[donnakebab]

Perhaps he thought you were at teacher.

[Bigmallly]

Good upbringing.

[Mikey]

Did he doff his cap too?

As long as there are well mannered parents we will continue to have well mannered children.

Personally I don't like the term sir, as it reminds me of a time when we had a clearly defined class system.

[VirginVegGrower]

As it should be. Doesn't surprise me that this happened in Whitby, Yorkshire. Lovely that you took the time for him

[veggiechicken]

Did he doff his cap too?
As long as there are well mannered parents we will continue to have well mannered children.
Personally I don't like the term sir, as it reminds me of a time when we had a clearly defined class system.

I still call older gentlemen Sir, can't call them Mister can I?
I used to call my Boss Sir too - used to really annoy him!

[mrswadders]

just goes to show that not 'all the youth' of today are rude as many would have us believe. I changed jobs from an academy school to the local further ed college this year and was astounded by the lovely manners I encountered, I had students opening doors and wishing me good morning! took me a good fews weeks to get used to it, I haven't been sworn at or seen any chairs thrown either!!!
And well done you for helping out, so many people are scared of helping youngsters, did he catch anything ?

[Mikey]

I still call older gentlemen Sir, can't call them Mister can I?
I used to call my Boss Sir too - used to really annoy him!

Perhaps its just me then, I can't remember the last time I referred to anyone as Sir, well not since I was in school. I don't believe anyone deserves the title, unless the Queen has bestowed it on them.

Am I on my own here?

[Kleftiwallah]

I hope you explained the 'elf & saftee' reason for the shock leader? But being a Sir, I have no doupt you did. Cheers, Tony.

[veggiechicken]

If you helped an old chap, opened a door, gave him a hand with something or a cup of tea, how would you address him? Maybe its different man to man and you'd say Mate, or Butt. I couldn't say that. I think its just respect for an older generation, not a status thing. I actually rather like it when an old chap doffs his hat at me!
And what about an old lady? I certainly wouldn't call her madam, although I have been called that myself That's really mirth making!

[Mikey]

See I just wouldn't add the word onto the end, I would say after you, if I'd opened the door for them. Or would say can I give you a hand with that, if i was carrying his cup of tea. I don't feel the need to add Sir or Madam onto the end of my sentences.

I find it quite strange, and rather derogatory when someone more senior refers to me as son, when I am not related to them.

[veggiechicken]

Oh, wait until we meet, Mikey! I'm going to have such fun
Just don't call me Dear or I'll thump you!

[VirginVegGrower]

I still call older gentlemen Sir, can't call them Mister can I?
I used to call my Boss Sir too - used to really annoy him!

Snap! It's a respect thing, madam

[Mikey]

Oh, wait until we meet, Mikey! I'm going to have such fun
Just don't call me Dear or I'll thump you!

Nah, as we are in South Wales, I'd say Alright love, with a Cardiff accent.

My OH hates being referred to as love, even from me!!

[Pa Snips]

Perhaps its just me then, I can't remember the last time I referred to anyone as Sir, well not since I was in school. I don't believe anyone deserves the title, unless the Queen has bestowed it on them.

Am I on my own here?

Not at all. I don't believe anyone deserves any title...Liz Windsor included.

Anyhow, well done for helping the lad out and kudos to him for recognising the importance of good manners. All too often I find myself shouting a sarcastic "You're welcome!" to ignorant people. Manners cost nothing and are very easy to use.