Whilst we all possess those unseemly habits that we freely portray within our own homes, when we venture outside into the community it becomes a moral requirement that we adhere to the unwritten laws of public etiquette, as well as those that are defined by law.

Etiquette was originally defined as being used to display a persons upper class decorum, but it is generally used within the mainstream population as a method of enabling people to live together in an acceptable and harmonious manner. To be seen as the same as others, even if we do not possess the same beliefs.

Certain habits or practices may be deemed as offensive to other people, whether we conduct ourselves in a conscious or non-conscious manner. We are expected to act accordingly to our surroundings, in ways that are defined as appropriate.

More often than not we will see a person, or persons, who are expressing themselves in a manner to which the majority of others will see as either inappropriate for the time and place, or outright offensive.

There are laws governing certain actions, such as littering, spitting in public and being intoxicated. But there also remains a certain etiquette that requires a person to be considerate towards others. Unfortunately, in todays modern world, there appears to have been a decline in the general appearance and actions of society.

Each person is individual and will have his or her own values and beliefs. It is not acceptable to force individuality upon another, but to remain considerate and respectful to others. As always, etiquette is of the majority. What the majority views as acceptable (although this cannot be guaranteed to be correct) will be seen as 'normal'.

When amongst others is is generally frowned upon to:

* Be loud and impolite
* Use offensive language
* Portray inappropriate bodily functions (picking the nose and scratching certain areas)

Comments will be made regarding the clothing of another, if it is to be deemed too revealing for the location, even though it is a persons right to wear what they wish. The same applies to a persons look. Anything out of the ordinary always provides, but not always warrants, comments from the general public.

How a person is seen to carry out certain activities or processes are also viewed with a difference of opinions. How a parent controls or disciplines their children in public will conclude a difference of opinion, but the majority will view that any attempts to quieten a toddler who is having a tantrum as beneficial to others. To leave a child screaming will assume complaints from other people, and even the method of quieting a misbehaving child will draw attention, if the method used is deemed to be excessive.

Etiquette may appear to be declining, but will always remain an essential component if we are to be able to live with one another.

Learn more about this author, James Mockridge..
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