Common Courtesies
Matt Seinberg

There are certain things in life that we would like to take as a given, but sometimes, many times, the women and men around us don't do certain things that are normal and courteous. I made a Top 10 list of actions that annoy me the most.

These have happened to everyone at one time or another or you have committed these faux pas as well. Please don't try to deny it, that won't fly here.

(10) “Please” and “Thank you” are your friends. Try using them when applicable. Not using these phrases will usually get a nasty stare from whomever you are talking.

(9) When you sneeze, don't spray it all over. Use a tissue or the crook of your arm. Then run to clean yourself up. I don't want an infection from your nasty germs.

(8) When, driving, signal as you change lanes. Don't make the rest of the world try to guess that you're going to cut across three lanes of traffic and get off because you were talking on the phone without a blue tooth device. I hope you get a ticket.

(7) Did you finish the paper in the printer at work and not fill it up or tell anyone? You're a moron.

(6) Unless you're in jail or stuck in the middle of nowhere, with no cell signal, don't call collect. There is no such thing as message units or time-calls anymore on home phones. Most cell plans have unlimited calling and texting. Being cheap isn't cool.

(5) If and when someone catches you in a lie, don't try to talk your way out of it; that only makes it worse. Look contrite, apologize and move on. If you try to continue to make the lie work, you only make it worse.

(4) When asking for a favour, don't beat around the bush, that just makes it sound terrible. A true friend will always be there to help. Get to the point.

(3) Don't finish the milk or orange juice and put the empty container back in the refrigerator. Throw it out. Buy some more.

(2) Always flush and wash your hands when using the lavatory.

(1) The number one courtesy is if you finish the toilet paper; replace the roll before leaving the room. No one needs to hear a panicked pooper, the poor schlub that went into the bathroom after you, screaming, a few minutes later.

Courtesy, as you read, is not that common. Try to change that conclusion.