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One of the first things that I noticed when I started my walk into adulthood after graduating from German high school was that living as part of my own family had been much easier and much more respectful. My family still honored the time-proven values of honoring thy elder, stepping back when someone else desired the same thing you wanted (and let them have it out of respect) and certain manners at the dinner table.

In our fastlived society, manners seem to take a backseat most of the time, especially with the younger generations. We as parents and grandparents should focus on teaching our youngsters all the respectful acts that we learned when we were young.

Some of the things I am missing (and ones you should definitely learn) are these:

1. The simplest of all rules showing good manners are two little words: "please" and "thank you". Never forget to use them. They make you polite in an instant.

2. Men, who are the protectors and still for the most parts the main providers in our society, should "woo" the ladies with respectful behavior and romantic gestures. For a date, it is suggested to bring flowers or a small gift, for BOTH the mother of the date as well as the date herself.

3. Open the door for another person (especially gentlemen for the ladies) at every opportunity. It will show great respect.

4. The same counts for car doors. Men, be gentlemen and open the lady's car door from the OUTSIDE, let the ladies sit down and walk around the car to get in yourself. Ladies, return the favor by quickly leaning over to open your date's car door from the inside your darling will be wowed by the gesture, I promise!

5. It is respectful and polite to take a guest's coat when arriving in the home and help them get back into it before they leave.

6. Whenever you have a guest, expected or unexpected, offer the weary traveler something to drink and maybe a small snack as a welcome. They'll thank you.

7. For men: move out and push in the chair for the ladies present at a dinner. You should do the same for any elderly person.

8. A family should wait until all family members are sitting and all of dinner is served before starting to eat, out of respect for the person who worked so hard to prepare the meal.

9. Stifling a yawn, no matter if it is at the dinner table or not, whenever in the presence of others, as it is perceived as rude and because others are made to believe that their conversation is boring or their presence tiring.

10. After a dinner you may feel the need to smoke.

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