Please and thank you are powerful words

Recently, in the Bee, you asked for feedback on your editorial concerning the loss of manners within our society.  Unfortunately, I must agree with you on the recognition of a lack of, and in some cases, the complete loss of manners in our society.

I have, for some time now, decided to pursue a course of passive positive reinforcement on this issue. When I pull into any of a series of fast food restaurants, notorious for seemingly non caring employees, and I happen to get a person who has a pleasant manner, I always drive up to the pick up window and compliment the employee, being loud enough for other employees in the store to hear me (and hopefully the manager).  I announce that I greatly appreciate the employee’s good manners.  Most times, I get a huge smile from that person, and it allows the other employees the opportunity to see the positive energy that good manners brings forth.  When I shop, I always try to remember how I like to be treated and pass along that positive energy to other people, saying “please,” and “thank you,” not “no problem.” I would hope that there would be “no problem” with waiting on me, as I have come to the store to purchase their goods.

I also believe that it is very important to notify the owner of any business that I have been treated rudely in, as this is the only way the owner will know how an employee treats his or her customers.  I will also tell the owner of his or her outstanding employees.

I most often will go online and fill out questionnaires that businesses ask me to fill out, as this is the best way for those businesses to be aware of what kind of a job their employees are doing.

These are the means I use to further my quest for continuing good manners in society.

JIM CORCORAN

Sagle