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!

get the same treatment every day!!

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

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--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

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

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

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

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.

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

i,lltell you about my christmas sometime

Hi Gerry

Please do, I'm listening

Mads

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

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

Oh Mike

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

Maddi (who it is not!!)

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