“Thank you.”
These two little words are missing from the SMU campus. When someone holds the door, you should say “thank you.” When someone picks up something you have dropped, you should say “thank you.” When someone allows you to cut in front of them in line, you should say “thank you.”
Anyone seeing a pattern? These two words- which literally take a second to say- need to be implemented into every SMU student’s vocabulary. Recently on crutches, I was quite astonished when fellow students watched me struggle while trying to open the door or let the door slam in my face. I constantly see people holding doors, while others walk through like it is their God-given right to have doors opened for them, along with a red carpet rolled out at their feet. Wake up. No one, and I mean no one, is above saying, “thank you.”
Another word missing from our vocabulary is “please.” When you ask for help, you should say “please.” When you want someone to go out of their way, you should say “please.” Even when you order from a menu, you should say “please” (which most people don’t).
People are more likely to help you if you ask politely for their help: by saying, “Will you please get that for me?” versus “Can you get that for me?”
It is a sad day when an adult thanks me for being polite because I said “please.” Our generation is constantly being criticized for our “entitled” attitude and by not saying “please” or “thank you” and by not doing the polite things that would make the world a better place we are proving them right.
Now, one may argue that by saying I think people should open doors for each other, not let doors slam in each other’s faces, and say “please” and “thank you,” I may be exhibiting an “entitlement” attitude myself.
Why should I expect people to do these things? The answer is that I don’t. I never expect people to do these things but am always pleasantly surprised when doors are opened or an elevator is held. I am, however, saying that if I take the time to hold the door for you, pick up something you dropped, or help you in some way, you should return the small gesture with a “thank you.” Others might say that by expecting thanks there will never be acts of real generosity because you are expect something in return. Once again, I don’t expect anything but believe it is a common courtesy to be polite.
Students at this school come from different backgrounds (many of them privileged) but I would be willing to bet that most were taught basic manners at one point in their lives. Not only would the use of manners make SMU a friendlier place, but I guarantee it will help you further on down the road. During job interviews, dates, dinners with in-laws, etc., politeness goes a long way.
I am not trying to berate all SMU students and hopefully this article isn’t looked upon as an exaggerated rant. I am proud to be a Mustang and every day see small acts of kindness performed by our students. I do have doors opened for me and do hear people say “please” and “thank you,” however I think we can and should all step it up a major notch. And for those of you that already do all the things I have mentioned…thank you.
Katie Leonard is a senior advertising major. She can be reached for comment at [email protected].
