Kathleen's Blog

I’ve been in California for *almost* 15 years – I know, it is crazy to even type that.  The Military Brat in me is confused – stay in one place?  For 15 years?  What is that about? How’d that happen…That’s a topic for another blog….

I do call myself a California Transplant because Texas will always be home. But I’ve planted a few roots here and to say California is different from Texas is a understatement of ginormous proportions.  Earthquakes, sunny beaches, no humidity… However, most of the difference is in the way people treat people.

 Today, on the way into a restaurant, a man stepped back and held open the door for a lady on her way out. She actually YELLED at that nice man for holding the door open for her  – “Do my arms look broken to you?”  I’ve never understood why there are people who find this practice so insulting?

I did VERY MUCH love his response – ” No, ma’am.  I am sure you can open your own door. I was just taught to honor women and all that they do. Forgive me for trying to honor you”  Priceless.  Rendered her speechless 🙂

 Why is courtesy an oddity or an insult?

In Texas we say “Yes, Sir”, “No, Ma’am”.  We wave at oncoming traffic.  We say hello to people as we walk down the street. We hold doors open for others. Men stand when ladies approach the table (well, at least most do). We follow every insult with ‘bless her heart”. When you talk to a stranger in the grocery store, they don’t immediately think you escaped from the local loony bin.

 Oh sure, there are perfectly polite people in Cali.  And there are plenty of ridiculously rude Texans.   But I’ve found that most of the perfectly polite people in Cali aren’t actually FROM Cali and most of the ridiculously rude Texans aren’t actually FROM Texas.  🙂

All kidding and (obvious) bias aside… I have found manners to be the exception, not the norm. I might even argue that it is a generational thing instead of a locational thing.

Forget bringing sexy back, I’d like to bring manners back.

Love, me