I agree. Common decency, civility, good manners, consideration of how one's actions may affect others, behavior reflecting integrity and honor. All would be encouraging, refreshing, and inspiring to modern American society. Alas, they are sadly lacking.

It's as if that part of the human brain from older generations is dying. Back in 2004(if not earlier), I noticed how careless people were in department stores and could not even say "excuse me" to get by me. Is it just Americans or others as well? I find foreigners just as quiet in the stores but maybe not quite as inconsiderate unless they want something and cannot express it in the native tongue. Are there any innocent peoples?

I notice the lack of 'excuse me' too. it burns me a little.I do notice people holding doors for each other, and other niceties though, maybe it is a cultural thing.

ya the rudeness part so sad thats why i freak out when someone is KIND,

Move to Canada...we're a pretty polite bunch here...(thanks for reading my input - lol)

have considered that move, bootlady. i hate heat. how close does cananda come to the north pole?

I hate the cold:P And, I dont do well in extreme heat. I'll stay close to the border I guess:P

Civility and chivelry. Lead by example People! Guys, open doors and pull out chairs. GIRLS, IF YOU WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE A LADY, YOU BETTER CONDUCT YOURSELF AS SUCH. Give it a try, I bet you will be surprised.

Pulling out chairs is quite excessive. Women have been wanting to be equals for a long time. It is the age of Aquarius; I say we let them. I will hold open a door for a lady if I think she looks nice or I happen to be in the right place at the right time:P But, the days of men going out of their way to do these things are over. Equals in chivalry, an art that should not be forgotten yet not taken all too seriously.

Brainstormer, pulling out a chair for a lady isn't excessive, its just polite. Try it, see how the ladies will see you differently and that goes for holding open doors as well. Trust me, a man that does that these days, gets noticed. Women still want thier knights in shining armour. Ask your Mom or your Grandma or any other lady what they think. You will be surprised I am sure.

Brainstormer, its not excessive, its polite. Try it, ladies will notice you. Ask any lady, you might be surprised by the answer. Ask you Mom or your Grandma what they think. Infact I will post it as a survey check it out.

I worked in a music store for 5 years. In those 5 years, people's patience and politeness decreased ever year. In the age of instant everything: texting, e-mail, etc people have no common decency to understand that not everything you want is instant. I try really hard to be polite and decent to everyone. Why be rude? I don't understand why people are rude anyways. Does it make them feel better about themselves or something?

i am old. i don't have to be told to give it a try. i do politeness without thinking. and i know i am old because rudeness still shocks me. it is vogue to be rude and stupid.

I hold doors for people, I stand when seating is scarce, But my husband does pull out my seat for me, and he does open doors for me.I do nice things for him, too.

It is very sad that careless words and actions are tearing us apart. I have had my fill lately.
I have enjoyed being here on thoughts.

If I pull out a chair then it will be my a double s that's sitting in it!

Bet that gets some comments from the old school folks if not deleted from the posting all together. HA! I love it....

" i know i am old1because rudeness still shocks me"

shhhhhhhhh be vewwwwy quiet about dat!! those yungins love shock value!!

Old= rudeness shocks but I dont show it cuz if they know it more shock ~ yanno the ticker cant take more than one shock per day!! ~ little grin ~

If you lack civilty in America Buck, one must move to England. The land of hope and glory, motherland of the free. People are very civil and polite here. They even say sorry when its the other persons fault!