There are those who save heartfelt greetings and gracious manners for just one or two days of the year. Some assume a kind of superficial veneer for special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day. Artificial politeness is simply an attempt to make others believe we are something we are not, for just one day.

Isn’t it refreshing when someone with manners crosses our path, especially now that crassness has practically become the norm? When true politeness is genuinely part of a person’s character, the outer trappings reveal the internal reality. Manners do not necessarily come naturally. It’s the response of the heart, of kindness, sincerity, and truthfulness, for which no amount of surface polish can be substituted. Part of a beautiful character is a heart filled with such honest intentions. We respond positively when an individual is attentive, kind, considerate, and respectful toward us. The old saying, “You get what you give,” rings true. Good manners are developed through practice and a spirit of generosity. When we realize that manners are the outward expression of inward virtues, rather like the hands of a watch indicating that the machinery within is perfect and true, we’ll then understand the power of applying the simple Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Sometimes we meet and must do business with those who are devoid of these noble qualities. On the other hand, isn’t it refreshing when we meet an individual whose personality is like the warm rays of the summer sun?