Caring, concern, compassion, consideration, courtesy - and the big one - respect. It's what elevates us humans and keeps us slightly above the intellectual level of apes.

As each day passes and I transition from one endeavor to another, I become increasingly aware of certain gliches in the society around me. Specific activities and situations arise that shine a dim light on humanity's interactions.

Gone are the days when a man would pull the door open, take a half-step to one side and usher the female through the opening - whether he knows her or not.

Have you noticed? I have. I am both amused and saddened as I watched "couples" approach any public entrance - either will randomly grab the handle and pull (or push) - and HE will step through first. When did this become the norm? And if you haven't realized it, observe closely the next time you're sitting in front of a restaurant or strip mall.

And please - don't quote me any of that sexist crap. Don't tell me it doesn't matter.

Manners matter. It's what elevates us humans and keeps us slightly above the intellectual level of apes.

Caring, concern, compassion, consideration, courtesy - and the big one - respect.

SOUP OF THE DAY

Respect for others, yes, the elderly lady entering at the same time we are. But, most specifically - respect for our loved ones - our wife or girlfriend who is WITH us as we enter. What happened to the concept of showing them how important they are to us?

Why do guys just bulldog their way through the door as if she were a paid servant?

And here's the kicker. IF you observe closely, I believe you'll discover that most of the "HE's" that do this are rather oblivious to their mis-step. Furthermore, most of the "SHE's" don't seem to notice or mind.

Ignorance is bliss. And yet, to an observer like me, your actions display your true mindset - as an inconsiderate, self-centered meathead.

Good manners never grow old. They never fade away. They don't expire or become "un-cool." Good manners are a staple of life - the fabric of common decency.

An entire generation or two of those liberal "don't spank your kid" parents have apparently neglected to instill ANY "good practices" in their offspring. Rather, they've raised a milling horde of zombie-like, unattentive cattle that go here and there - heads down - mentally entranced by cellphones and ipods - oblivious to the world around them.

Good manners - and many of the moral values that go with them - are sadly being pushed aside by a "me first" society.

Open a car door for a lady?

Offer to carry something heavy for that gray-haired lady?

Pull out the dinner chair for your wife or mother?

Failing to do so would have gotten you referred to, in some circles, as a cad, a boor or an impolite degenerate.

Nowadays, I would just say that you're an inconsiderate idiot. Not trying to be rude - just stating a fact.