Manners are about more than just saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ (though that’s definitely important).
In reality, manners — which are in short supply these days, I might add — are more about how you treat the people and environment around you and how you carry yourself through the world. It’s easy enough to be kind and considerate, but people who lack manners have no qualms about doing these disrespectful things in public.
1. They talk loudly on their mobile phones in quiet spaces.
You’re trying to enjoy a peaceful moment in a café or on the train, when suddenly someone decides to broadcast their entire conversation to the world. These people seem oblivious to the fact that their loud chatter is disrupting everyone around them.
2. They leave their rubbish behind in public areas.
Source: Unsplash Nothing screams ‘I have no respect for other people or the environment’ quite like leaving your litter behind. Whether it’s an empty crisp packet on a park bench or a coffee cup on public transport, these people seem to think the world is their personal bin.
3. They queue-jump without a second thought.
In Britain, queuing is practically a national sport, which makes it all the more infuriating when someone blatantly ignores the unspoken rules. These queue-jumpers waltz to the front as if they’re more important than everyone else who’s been patiently waiting their turn.
4. They play music or videos without headphones in shared spaces.
There’s always that one person on the bus or in the park who thinks everyone wants to hear their music or watch their videos. They blast their device at full volume, completely disregarding the comfort of those around them.
5. They fail to hold doors open for people behind them.
It’s a small gesture that goes a long way, yet some people can’t be bothered to hold a door open for someone following closely behind. Instead, they let it slam in the face of the person behind them. It shows a complete and utter lack of courtesy.
6. They smoke in non-smoking areas or near entrances.
Despite clear signage and social norms, some smokers act like the rules don’t apply to them. They light up in non-smoking areas or right next to building entrances, forcing everyone to walk through clouds of smoke.
7. They take up excessive space on public transport.
We’ve all encountered the ‘manspreaders’ and bag-on-seat offenders on buses and trains. These space-hoggers seem to think their comfort is more important than letting people sit down.
8. They talk during films at the cinema.
The cinema is meant to be a place where people can immerse themselves in a film, but some individuals treat it like their living room. They chat, provide running commentary, or even answer phone calls during the movie.
9. They fail to control their children in restaurants.
While children can be unpredictable, some parents seem to abdicate all responsibility once they enter a restaurant. They allow their kids to run wild, scream, and disturb other diners without intervention.
10. They use their phones during face-to-face conversations.
In the age of smartphones, some people seem to have forgotten the art of giving someone their full attention. They constantly check their phones or even start scrolling through social media while someone is talking to them.
11. They fail to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to service staff.
Basic manners cost nothing, yet some people can’t seem to muster a simple ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ when interacting with service staff. Whether it’s in shops, restaurants, or any other service industry, such a lack of common courtesy shows a disregard for the people working hard to help them.
12. They tailgate or drive aggressively on the road.
Some drivers seem to forget that the road is a shared space, not their own private travel route. They tailgate, cut off other drivers, or refuse to let people merge. Their aggressive behaviour not only creates a stressful environment for other road users but can also lead to dangerous situations.
13. They interrupt people mid-conversation.
We all know that one person who can’t seem to wait their turn to speak. They constantly interrupt people, finishing their sentences or steering the conversation back to themselves.
14. They don’t cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
In a post-pandemic world, this behaviour is particularly egregious. Some people still cough or sneeze openly in public spaces without making any effort to cover their mouth. This spreads germs and shows a complete disregard for public health and the wellbeing of those around them. No one wants your germs, mate!
15. They block pathways or entrances while chatting.
Some people seem oblivious to the fact that public spaces need to remain accessible. They’ll stop for a chat right in the middle of a busy pavement or in front of shop entrances, forcing people to navigate around them.
16. They use their phones in quiet zones or during performances.
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s in a library, at a theatre, or during a concert, some people can’t seem to resist the urge to check their phones. The glow of their screen and the tapping of keys can be incredibly distracting to people trying to concentrate or enjoy a performance.
