Friends have e-mailed me about senior citizens who have forgotten how to say "please" and "thank you." The word "please" can open a lot of seemingly closed doors at restaurants, theaters,
parties, and even in our private relationships. "Thanks yous" often come with smiles, too!
Recently, I witnessed a rather unpleasant restaurant experience where a patron insisted on immediate service, while the waitress was assisting a gentleman to retrieve his walker.
Harsh words were exchanged instead of pleasantries, in the middle of the restaurant, during dinner time. The dozen or so diners who witnessed this exchange all murmured the same thing, "Why didn't she just say 'please'"? Instead, the waitress asked her, "Would you please wait for me - I have not forgotten about you - but, I have made this gentleman my priority, since he needs assistance now. I'm sure you won't mind waiting while I help him." The rude patron was put in her place by an intelligent and thoughtful waitress, while the gentleman and the others who were also waiting all secretly applauded.
Many opportunities abound for saying "thank you" for anything that is offered and accepted.
Children seem to learn it and use it - often! What has happened to people when they get older? Is everything taken for granted? Are we entitled to get everything handed to us, because we are old?
Thank you for letting me say this. It pleased me very much.

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