Date:  Thu, 23 Oct 1997 10:09:56 -0500
From:  mmcdaniel <mmcdaniel_at_interval-miami[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]INTERVAL-INTL.COM>
Subject: Re: politeness

   Lynne, I'd have to agree with Melissa. There has been a decrease in
   politeness over the years. As far as your personal feelings regarding
   strangers talking to you: Yes, your dog may have died, but all the
   more reason for people to talk to you. Sure, there are times when we
   need to be alone, but at other times being alone is what we want, not
   necessarily what is best. Many people are already afraid to engage a
   stranger in conversation, and I think that if we promote the "leave me
   alone" attitude, then society will keep on its downward spiral.

   Beth, the voice mail system is used to convey the message, "(may) God
   bless you." If you read a letter from a friend, in which the friend
   wrote "God bless you," you wouldn't say, "Is a letter capable of
   blessing me?"

   Beverly, in some cases saying "Bless you" is "not really polite and
   personal so much as formulaic and empty"; however, ignoring the person
   saying it is definitely rude, regardless of your intentions. The
   ignoring becomes the issue rather than the possible insincerity.

   Of course it's best to do the right thing for the right reason. But
   it's better to do the right thing for the wrong reason than the wrong
   thing.