'International' good manners!

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:42 pm

On my Christmas hols a couple of incidents drew my attention and both at the French terminus of Eurotunnel (Coquelles).
It was our return journey and I was lining up at the cafe for our coffees.
A young French girl was serving at the counter and the man in front of me said in loud Yorkshire tones
"Give us 2 teas lass"! (there was no please in either English or French)
She frowned a little but served him and he went away and again without a 'thank-you'!
I felt angry --I asked for 3 coffees in French with please and thank-you when she gave them to me. In return I got a "de rien"(youre welcome) and sweet smile.
As I walked away I heard yet another North Eng. male voice say
"Coffee"!
That was all --not another single B----y word!
My blood boiled and I felt ashamed of being English and wanted to hide my accent.
Im not having a go at Northern Eng.men here -it was probably a coincidence that they were both from the area.
I just wanted to say that -it doesnt take much effort to say 'please&thank-you' in any language does it--and it would make those who serve us feel a litle more appreciated.
There--Ive got that off my chest!

pinkiebluesky · Post by **pinkiebluesky** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:44 pm

get the same treatment every day!!

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:50 pm

Dear Pinkie--let me know where youre receiving this unkind treatment--and Ill come and say please& thank-you in whatever language you like(if I can speak it!)--love Elle

maddi · Post by **maddi** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 7:24 pm

Manners isn't just about a verbal please and thank you when being served, everyday I let one car turn right (UK) out of each junction I pass to get to work and 50% offer no acknowledgement whatsoever - and there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to this male/female, young/old, merc/micra with the exception of if it is an "old" man in either the merc or the micra and they never raise a hand, make a nod or even crack a smile.

The other exception being the best at saying thank you on the road, contrary to what public opinion may think is the very young man in a beaten up XR2.

Maddi

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 9:35 pm

Maddi--totally agree with you on the 'lack of good road manners'--and the worst we've experienced in that aspect--having driven all over UK(apart from N.Ireland)France& Iberia --is---'here in Lincolnshire'!! No road manners at all & have noticed most of this comes from the more mature driver--not only the total lack of acknowledgement for giving way--but hazardous dangerous lunatic driving

and its all proved by Lincs having the worst accident figures in all of UK

gorr0 · Post by **gorr0** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 10:04 pm

Elle,
I wonder sometimes if the size of the city or crowding effects folks manners. The attitude: that I don't need to be kind because I will never see this person again.
I am living in a small city of 250K in America and grew up in a town of only 1K; very few are rude to anyone. You just might see them again at church, shopping, work or social.
Gorr0

maddi · Post by **maddi** » Wed Jan 07, 2004 10:17 pm

Hi gorr0

I certainly think there is something in that, where I live everyone acknowledges everyone ragrdless of whether they need to say thank you simply because they recognise each other, but as soon as you drive into town - nothing!!!

Mads

Gerry Cullen · Post by **Gerry Cullen** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 2:46 am

In my town every one waves,smiles etc.then the hures crash into you ,and blame you.....i,lltell you about my christmas sometime

cowboy · Post by **cowboy** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 7:45 am

maddi wrote:Manners isn't just about a verbal please and thank you when being served, everyday I let one car turn right (UK) out of each junction I pass to get to work and 50% offer no acknowledgement whatsoever - and there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to this male/female, young/old, merc/micra with the exception of if it is an "old" man in either the merc or the micra and they never raise a hand, make a nod or even crack a smile.

The other exception being the best at saying thank you on the road, contrary to what public opinion may think is the very young man in a beaten up XR2.
Maddi

Maddi, he most likely didn't have insurance, and was greatful that you didn't run over him.

swingdingin · Post by **swingdingin** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:27 am

ellie
i thinks its time you booked a ferry crossing to ireland
and enjoyed the many delights on offer both north and south...!!!
mike

maddi · Post by **maddi** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:13 pm

i,lltell you about my christmas sometime

Hi Gerry

Please do, I'm listening

Mads

Hotlips · Post by **Hotlips** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:49 pm

Mike(Swingdingin)!
Never mind about that Ellie woman how about if I want to come too?

Will there be enough 'entertainment ' for 'both' of us d'you think?
Ive read that she can 'go' on piano but can she 'Salsa ' like me

swingdingin · Post by **swingdingin** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:48 pm

of course hotlips....you`re more than welcome..!
first stop is gerry`s bar for a bit of craic..!
but as you have not revealed yourself, how will we recognise you...?
mike

maddi · Post by **maddi** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 2:02 pm

Oh Mike

I think you know who Hotlips is now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maddi (who it is not!!)

swingdingin · Post by **swingdingin** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 2:25 pm

well maddi i was starting to lean towards ellie.....
but you seem very sure..
please tell me its not m.crane