It seems of late that manners have gone out the door, whether it be in a store, while in a restaurant, while driving on streets or on the highway or while using a crosswalk to name a few.

Now while it wouldn't be a bad idea, it is not necessary to smile and engage in conversation with people one encounters, using some common courtesy and manners does. I can’t even count all the times I’ve been in a grocery store or department type store and someone is blocking a complete isle.

I’ll say excuse me in an audible voice, but to no avail – there is no movement of the shopping cart or the person(s.) Because I don’t want to yell and be confrontational, I turn my shopping cart around and use a different isle.

It really would help all of us have a less stressful life, if individuals were to be aware of their surroundings. It comes across as if these people are on another planet in their mind. In fact however, they are in public with other individuals who merely want to have a half of an isle to pass through.

Further, I am a walker and I frequently walk while out of town (in a city.) Is it necessary to make a right turn on red right so fast, nearly hitting a person who has the walk light to go? I have had cars edge as close as they can without hitting me so that when I’m out of their path they speed away. What is the rush? Don’t we usually hit the next light anyway? The road rage on highways and byways is out of control. I can’t tell how many times a rude driver has cut someone off and then he or she ends up sitting at the same, next red light as though who were cut off.

And restaurants always seem to bring the obligatory cell phone call. It is polite to step outside and talk for no one wants to hear about Aunt Mable’s hemorrhoid surgery – with all the blood and glory details. In fact nobody wants to hear anyone’s cell phone conversation when they are trying to eat. It seems that with what we pay for meals, in particular in Southeastern Connecticut, individuals would want to turn their phone off for an hour or so to enjoy their meals, after all the details of Aunt Mable’s surgery will still be fresh in the caller’s mind – you know with all that blood and everything.

It seems as though anything goes nowadays when it comes to consideration. But consideration involves behaving in a fashion in which we would like to be treated. Let’s bring back the imaginary center line divider in stores. Let’s cool it on the road rage and let’s please silence our cell phones in places such as restaurants. And in general any way that we can express ourselves for the betterment and consideration of others – and we can think of many ways – let’s gain back our consideration of those we must share the planet with.

(And being young – age 0-18 or elderly doesn’t excuse rude, inconsiderate behavior.)

Roberta M. Helming