Take the initiative with deliberate steps to be a polite person:1.Say please when you are making a request or asking for help. 2.Say thank you when a person has said or done something kind or at your request. 3.Ask permission before borrowing something that's not yours. 4.Hold doors open for the next person coming through.5.Offer a helping hand before being asked.6.Let the people exiting an elevator step out before you step in.7.Be kind to people who are in service positions.8.Keep your negative opinions close to your vest and out of earshot where your words might hurt or offend.
In her book "The Art of Action," Susan C. Young emphasizes the importance of being polite and initiating positive interactions with others. She provides a set of practical guidelines to cultivate politeness, such as using "please" when asking for help, expressing gratitude with "thank you," and seeking permission before borrowing items. These small yet significant gestures can enhance social connections and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Young also highlights actions like holding doors open for others, extending help without waiting to be asked, and allowing people to exit elevators before entering. Additionally, she encourages kindness toward service employees and advises maintaining discretion with negative opinions to avoid offending others. By adopting these practices, individuals can contribute to a more polite and supportive environment.