Golden rule leads to courtesy

    How hard is it for a person to be courteous?

    Everywhere we look, it seems there is at least one person who does not have respect for another.

    One example would be a classroom where a person’s cell phone goes off.

    To begin with, students are in class to learn, not to talk on the phone. It is disrespectful for the class and the teacher when a phone constantly rings.

    Perhaps, the offending students thought the phone was off; however, when it rings the first time, one would think that a person would have the common sense, and perhaps embarrassment, to turn it off.

    Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

    Not only do some phone talkers not turn their phones off, but these oblivious people let it go off again. Maybe they do not realize what an annoyance this interruption is or that allowing the interruption is rude.
Drivers also contribute to society’s annoyances. Complaints have increased about traffic jams and people who drive as if they purchased a fake license at K-Mart.

    Perhaps if the complainers looked in the mirror, they might realize that they, too, are part of the problem.

    If all drivers would understand that what is on the road is more important than what is happening on the side of the road, one problem would be solved.

    However, the biggest problem is discourteous drivers. If people would stop being hard-headed and self-centered when they drive, they would willingly make room for another driver wanting to merge. Then, traffic would move a lot faster, and people would arrive at their destinations on time.

    All drivers must realize that everyone on the road is trying to get somewhere, not just them. If there were a little more compromise on the road and a lot less selfishness, we could all get where we are going safely and on time.

    Movie theaters are another public arena begging for courteous patrons. If a person pays $10 to see a movie, he should be able to watch that movie in peace.

    However, some movie goers like to hoot and holler during the move. Such outbursts can cause quite a disturbance—not to mention the frustration they place on other theater patrons who have to miss part of the show.

    Not only is talking during a movie not proper etiquette, but ringing cell phones are as annoying in theaters as they are in classrooms.

    If people have something that important to talk about, they should not be in a quiet movie theater. If a person feels he must see a particular movie, but cannot keep his mouth shut, he can wait six months and rent it at the nearest Blockbuster. Then he can make all the noise he wants without disturbing anyone but a pet or family member.

    It is not difficult to show some kind of respect toward our fellow man.

    People who complain they do not get any respect should probably take their cues from the golden rule, that lesson taught by most parents as their children are growing up:

    Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.