Amy M. Schaefer
  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery

From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
Button Text

Check Your Manners At The Door

7/13/2015

4 Comments

 
Picture
I am used to living with a man who strictly adheres to a southern gentleman's code, much the way his father did before him. This leaves me pretty unprepared for venturing out in public on my own because this type of man seems to be a dying breed. I mean, this is the guy who insists I wait in the car for him to come get me when we go somewhere, pulls the chair out for me when I sit, holds the door open for others, etc. He also mostly finds it impolite to swear in front of a lady (...although I've given him plenty of reasons to swear over the last thirty years). There is an old world charm to his behaviour that I find absolutely delightful, but apart from that I am a firm believer that manners, period, never go out of style even though finding them with frequency in the general population is become more difficult all the time.

This morning my husband texted me and asked if I'd like to come have lunch with him. I quickly got dressed and completed my morning chores, then drove the forty-five minutes to meet him. On my way home from a lovely lunch date, I stopped by the mall to look for a new pair of jeans. After some leisurely shopping, I was heading to the car, big bag in one hand, drink in the other, when I got to the exit. My hands were full, so I turned to use my butt to open the door and was caught off guard by a young man behind me who'd been following me very closely. He walked through the now open door, said "Thanks" and continued on to the parking lot. His complete lack of manners had me gaping after him. Once I got myself moving again, I became more irritated with every step...embarrassed for his parents and the boy devoid of even the most basic manners. I could sit here and work myself into quite a lather about it the way I did on my trip to the car, but the ice is melting in my lemonade and I've got a book to write. It is a waste of time to blow a gasket on the topic of poor parenting skills. I am thankful my own daughters are well-mannered, decent human beings. As for my husband, I'll confess...one of the top five things I love about him is the respectful way he treats others. That behaviour is not some act he puts on to make himself look good, it is hardwired into the wonderful man that he is down to his core.
4 Comments
Rebecca Spivey link
12/7/2024 08:19:54 am

I became more irritated with every step...embarrassed for his parents and the boy devoid of even the most basic manners.

Reply
Fred McDonald link
12/7/2024 08:22:18 am

This morning my husband texted me and asked if I'd like to come have lunch with him.

Reply
garage door solutions in Philadelphia link
12/13/2024 01:54:42 pm

Check Your Manners At The Door is a great reminder that respect and kindness should always be at the forefront. Good manners create positive environments, whether at home, work, or in social settings.

Reply
overhead garage door repair near me link
12/14/2024 01:28:38 pm

An insightful post! "Check Your Manners at the Door" serves as an important reminder to leave negativity behind and approach interactions with kindness and respect. A great guide for better relationships!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

    Archives

    August 2021
    March 2020
    August 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    Categories
    A View From the Hill: Short Stories by Mattie Hill Shields

    All

    Button Text

    RSS Feed

    View my profile on LinkedIn
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery