My son pestered me to go out to the mall to get a watch that he wanted (using his birthday money) on Saturday. So we all packed up and headed there after a late breakfast hoping to beat the crowd somewhat. I hate going to the mall on a weekend because of the crowd; parking is terrible and the crowds are unbearable! To top things off, people here are just plain rude!
I've noticed this sometime ago but never vented it: people here in Dubai don't know how to say "please" or "thank you". Whatever happened to courtesy? It's not just a certain nationality or culture that fails to bring their manners, it's all sorts of people! I bring up my kids to be courteous to everyone, especially their elders, but these rude people are certainly not helping. Worse thing is it makes me be rude to them. How is that being an example to my own children?
The lady at the unnamed supermarket counter never smiled and never did say please. Even when she asked me for the exact change she never extended the courtesy of someone in customer service. So I snarled at her and said, "No!" At the fast food counter it was no different. It was appalling, so much so that in my loudest voice I told my kids how rude people are: not knowing how to say "please" or "thank you".
Is it just Dubai or is it happening all over the world? Or is it just me becoming a grumpy old fart?
Grumpy old fart or not , I think there has been a decline in manners and courtesy to others and it is generally everywhere. It may be that people now spend less time with others and more time facing machines/screens to which you don't have to say 'thank you' or 'please'.... perhaps.
ReplyDeleteWhatever it is, I personally resolve to instill the value of honoring another in my children. It starts with me..... and it includes me actually looking at a person in their eyes when I speak to them to thank them.
I saw your blog site just now when you updated facebook! Way to go Nyah! I have had a blog since June and I think it's a great way to communicate.