Rude, much?

There was a person in our office that recently left, and I swear, I don't think that I've met anyone quite like her. The first thing that freaked me out was when I was out to lunch with her and I saw her wipe her finger all along her plate...and then lick her fingers (slurping sounds included). She did this, even while having a conversation with our VPs. There are many more, but I won't bore you with the details.

My favorite, though, was the cell phone. She kept her Razor on a rope around her neck and nestled it in her cleavage. It kind of freaked me out when it rang because it was this lullabye-ish melody coming out of her breasts. She would take the phone out, WIPE IT OFF on her blouse, and then answer it.

But, then it occurred to me that perhaps even though my co-workers and I were bothered, perhaps it would not annoy others as much. After all, who really decides what is good manners and bad manners? Are there any absolutes that people should abide by -- or does it vary by culture, region, gender, age, etc.?

The Today Show did a report about whether people are getting meaner. They ran different scenarios in LA, Houston, Minneapolis and New York City. What was interesting is how in LA, there were two skaters that intentionally fell down to see if people would help them out. The girl was always helped, but no one even bothered to see if the man was okay. In Houston, it was an older lady trying to carry two full bags of groceries to her car -- maybe 50% of the people that passed her tried to offer help. In Minneapolis, it was a couple that had shopping bags drop out in the Mall of America and just about everyone that passed by offered to help them out (they were separated). In NYC, they had a woman walk around with her skirt tucked in to her underwear in the back to see if anyone would tell her. About half of the people did, but there were some that even just snuck up behind her and took a picture and then left without saying anything.

I thought it might be interesting to develop a quick list of things that I try to do to have good manners, and see how that aligns with your own ideals. Or, what are some things that aren't on this list?

1. When I'm driving and someone lets me in, I wave a "thank you."

2. When I drop off a friend at night, I wait to make sure he/she gets their front door (or if it's at their car, I wait to make sure the car will start).

3. I would've helped all the people listed in The Today Show scenarios.

4. I don't talk with my mouth full of food, but if it seems unavoidable, I either hold my hand in front of my mouth or my napkin.

5. I remember when my friends might pick up my cash shortfall or buy me lunch...and I pay them back or return the favor.

6. I don't walk in front of someone without saying "excuse me," and I happen to brush them, I say "I'm sorry."

7. I don't cut in lines, including those on the road.

8. When I'm out to dinner with a group, I remember that my $9.99 meal needs to include tax AND tip, and I don't throw down a $10 bill.

9. I'll tell someone they have their shirt tag sticking out of the back, but I won't actually go up and touch their back and turn it inside FOR them.

10. If I tell someone to let me know if I can help...I mean it.