OPINION: 'Please' and 'Thank You' seem to be the hardest words - Kilkenny Live

'A parent can give a child no greater gift than good manners' — so one wonders when the recession hit this country, did manners stay on the shelves alongside those unpurchased Playstations and Nintendo Wiis? They’ve certainly been lost by many somewhere on this journey we call life.

At the heart of this great 21st Century loss could be many things. An advancement in the human gene pool, or simply the toxic environment we call society interfering with how we perceive what’s important and what’s not in the world. There’s a number of potential culprits responsible for the loss of a trait that was once held dear by so many.

Unfortunately, for many young people growing up in today’s world, the ability to use a mobile device while still in nappies and achieve greatness in academic and professional life outweighs the art of good conversation and manners.

Now, before I’m misunderstood, not for one moment am I suggesting we return to the ‘bad old days’ where education was exclusive to the elite. Education is and always will be king. Many of our parents and grandparents would take your right arm off to have the same opportunities, but it shouldn’t be a case of manners or achievement. They both have value in our lives in very different ways, but yet subtly, each are crucial in this cut-throat world every day.

Likewise, the rapid growth of technology has changed the way we communicate for our work and personal lives forever. We’re on call 24/7, even when we think we’re not — both professionally and with friends and family as texts and messages flood into our inboxes via social media at any time.

So, front and centre in the line of suspects in where we may have gone astray as people, may be the modern age of technology.

Gone are the days where you construct full sentences and spell words correctly, we have now moved to a situation where 'GG' and 'CU' are deemed suitable responses to just about anything. From 'I'll CU for a pint later,' to 'are you coming to the match? GG', which means 'Good Game,' apparently!

These slang abbreviations can be used in a multitude of contexts alongside numerous others, with more added to people’s everyday terminology on a daily basis.

Harmless you may say? Well, yes maybe, but when as a society we’re unwilling to take time out of our day to exchange in conversation with full sentences, is it any wonder why so many people struggle to sit back and think, 'I should write that person a thank you message for their efforts.'

As people, we’re so driven to live in the future, we forget to appreciate moments from the past and the kindness and support family members, friends and colleagues give us.

The human desire to 'be the best' and society’s pressure to excel both in academia and employment is also a negative contributor when we consider the decline in manners. As many people become high achievers in their chosen field, a new challenge emerges away from the sporting field or the managerial office in a high profile company.

That challenge is 'modesty,' a divide has become clear between those who remain humble and are grateful for every step up the ladder they take, and those who care little for the family, friends and colleagues who helped them climb to the top of the mountain.

Unfortunately, as important as these jobs are to the smooth running of the world’s affairs, too many are susceptible to the negative spells such roles can cast.

‘Why should I say thank you, I’m a self-made man’ may be an inner thought if not openly admitted or a simple ‘please’ or 'thank you' goes unsaid at the deli counter as they collect their lunch. Why?

Well, there may be a number of reasons but there can be no doubting the power, fast-pased nature of the modern day work environment and the monetary rewards it delivers has removed the gratefulness in our soul that many of our ancestors held.

So are the days of manners and gratefulness gone in place of fame and fortune? 

In short, I don’t think so. For all my moaning and groaning, the type of people I’ve just described are not the majority, they just seem to have the loudest voice!

We rightly emphasise achievement and the volume of social media platforms available to do so, I don’t begrudge anyone showcasing their achievements. The solution in my eyes is to take everything in perspective.

From the deli-counter worker who gave your sandwich each day while you did your Leaving Cert, to the new recruit who sweeps the floor in the office. Say ‘please’, say ‘thank you’, they’re a vital clog in the wheel.

Thank you for reading...