Betty got me thinking about manners and talking.  We get upset with children because they don't stop talking.  But, have you ever been in an adult meeting or at a show somewhere?  Adults are worse than the kids.  Teachers talk during our staff meetings and not only is it rude, but those of us with hearing problems can't hear.  Why should the principals have to talk louder just because people are rude? 

Where, oh where, did the manners go?  What has happened to our society that we feel we are the only important one in the room?  How has this come about?  Was it the false self-esteem thing that has been spouted for the last 20 years?  I don't think being rude to people has anything with self-esteem.  I think it has to do with ego.  We think we are the important one and what others have to say is not as important.  Or we already know everything and no one can teach us anything anymore.  Teacher grade papers during workshops and meetings too.

I realize we get bored in some of these things.  However, manners should dictate to us to at least look attentive and interested.  You never know, you might learn something interesting.  I often take the new teacher classes and find myself learning some new idea, concept or jogging my memory about something to try in class. 

We all need to keep a positive outlook and use our manners.