While most people I encounter are reasonably polite, I've definitely noticed things aren't like they used to be. I grew up saying "Yes, Mamm" and "Yes, Sir" but have noticed that many of the kids today ... don't. If they answer at all, it's "Yeah" or "Uh huh." I should be fair, though, many young people are courteous and many older folks are not. And if there has been the decline that I perceive, maybe it's more to do with the training the current adult population (my generation) gave them, then it is their fault.

One time, my wife and I had been grocery shopping and when we came out I opened the car door for her and a lady parked near us shouted out, "Do you give lessons?" I said, "I'm sorry, mamm, what?" She said, "My husband never opens the door for me." Made me feel good, but I felt sad for her. I've opened the door for my wife or for other ladies for as long as I can remember. I thought men were suppose to do that.

I also agree that the times we've traveled south, we see manners improve dramatically the further south we go. Hope ya'll can hang on to that ... ya' hear. Thank you.