by Linda Joyce

Created on: May 27, 2009

For years people have written to columnists such as Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby) for all types of advice. Many of the letters used to contain inquiries on such subjects as seating at formal dinners, what fork to use with which course, etc.

Today because of technology and other changes we have seen, there are many new questions on general public etiquette, and there are many people who have rude manners in certain situations and don't give it a thought.

For instance, road rage has been in the news for years now and deals with the anger of one motorist toward another for being cut off, driving too slowly, and many other things. It's not that people don't know how to behave on the road, it's simply that they are impatient because they are in a hurry. My advice to anyone driving who senses an obnoxious or belligerent driver nearby is to get away from them as quickly as possible.

Another gentler aspect of road etiquette is what to do when people let you enter a line of traffic as you are waiting for a light to turn. In my opinion, if you are the one waiting, you should always acknowledge their generosity with at least a wave of the hand as you move into the traffic. A smile and a wave would be even better.

In a completely different vein here is a tip that will keep you in good with the neighbors: Do not let your pets run free to destroy other neighbors' lawns and flowerbeds. If you have a dog, it's your responsibility to walk them and pick up after them. Neighbors should not have to perform this duty for someone else's pet. Cats are harder to deal with because a lot of people let their cats out around the clock. In my opinion, cats should be contained indoors with a litter box that the owner changes.

Cell phones are another area that some people never think of, and I'm directing this to the many people who leave their phones on at the restaurant, the movies, and other public places. It's not only annoying but inconsiderate. How did these people live before cell phones came into use? I don't remember seeing lines of people waiting at pay phones, do you?

Speaking in loud tones is another thoughtless habit that some people have. I've lived near neighbors who spoke loudly to each other all of the time, and they weren't hard of hearing. They were just loud. It was a couple who lived a few doors away from me, and they would leave very early in the morning for work. I would hear their discussions of what the day's agenda was, their plans for after work, what they needed from the grocery store, and more. As much as I liked them, and I did; I didn't really want to know all of the details of their existence. In fact, I'm sure that the other neighbors felt the same. Luckily, they moved to another town, and that solved the problem.

In all areas of general public etiquette, it's not necessary to remember rules that are written in a book. Just think Do unto others... and live it, and you will have the perfect manners you need to get by successfully.

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