"Manners are sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use."

- Quote by Emily Post

Good manners are the first mark of good breeding and reflect directly on a person's upbringing and make a lasting and favorable impression on people. In other word, Manners are the un-enforced standards of conduct which show that a person is polite, cultured and refined. They set a standard for human behavior, but they are unlike laws in that there is no formal system for punishing transgressions, other than social disapproval. They are a kind of norm. A lot is been said about the need to have good manners. Without his manners man is nothing better than an animal or barbarian. Someone has rightly said, "Manners make a man".

Good Manners occupy a unique place in our lives and are the sure keys to success. They are to be acquired and cultivated. They are not only social behavior but also an ideal form of personal conduct and character. They are valuable possessions and help in making friends, winning over people and in gaining appreciation and admiration. In business and service good manners are indispensable. They help us avoid bitter and untoward situations.

Some good manners

1) Speak with respect for others, especially elders. Avoid negative remarks and questions which may embarrass others. To be late for appointments and keep people waiting is indiscipline and disrespect.

2) Use ‘thank you' and ‘you are welcome' whenever appropriate. We should never fail to say ‘sorry' if we disturb people. Even in our personal and private lives they are important assets. It is good manners to thank people for a service, guidance or a gift received.

3) Do not interrupt a person who is speaking, regardless of even if it is a casual conversation. Try to let them finish what they are saying. Even if you are talking over the phone, be sure to pause every once in a while inorder to give the other person time to speak.

4) Never openly criticize someone in an attempt to put them down or to make yourself look better. Avoid gossiping. Avoid harsh words, be polite.

5) Do not swear or use bad words. Profanity is a sign of an unchallenged mind.

6) Hold open the door for anyone following you closely.

7) Greet others appropriately even if you know someone well. If you are a man, you do not want to greet a woman by saying, "Hey Baby, what's shaking?" Instead, try something like, "Hello, good morning or evening," anything that would make you appear to have manners and good sense.

8)Think things out before you speak, especially if you are a person who may be poor at finding the right words to say.

9) Speak highly of your parents and teachers, even if there are things about them that you do not like. If you cannot do that, stay away from speaking about them at all around

10) Pay attention to how you carry yourself. In other words, act like you have some class, which goes hand in hand with manners. Don't slouch, have a neat appearance, shake hands, be clean, hold your head high and don't hide behind dark sunglasses inside or wear other "trying to be cool" looks at the wrong time.

11)If you did not hear something that an individual has said, or if you need something clarified, consider using "Could you say that again for me, please?" or "I'm sorry?" Avoid solely using the word "What?" as it tends to come off as brash and unrefined.

12)Avoid annoying others with your cell phone by talking too loud. Be sure to turn it off or keep it on silent mode while attending important meetings or when you in a movie theater.

13) Do not talk with your mouth full. Do not stop mid-sentence to eat, chew, swallow and then continue. Eat or talk, do not do both at the same time.

14) Instead of 'yeah' use 'yes' or 'yes, please', instead of "huh" use 'pardon', instead of 'nah' say 'no, thank you', always use "May i.." instead of "Can I...".

15) Spitting on the road is considered bad manners.

I am sure there are plenty left out. Feel free to add them up through your comments. Finally, when it comes to Manners one name which cannot be avoilded is that of Emily Post. She has severaI wonderful guides for parents and children on Manners to her credit.