Make your life better today

"Manners Maketh Man"

We've all heard that. Thanks to Harry Heart, and the movie Kingsman, it's become a well known quote. But what does that even mean? What exactly are manners? And why did you say that this will make my life better? Well, for starters, manners are proper ways of behaving towards other people, and how is that going to make your life better? When you conduct yourself in a positive light, others will notice. Eventually, everything around you will end up just a little more positive. This article will show you 6 ways that you can take the day by the horns and become a more positive and well balanced person!

• Saying please and thank you: How often does someone just tell you "I want that", or "give me that."? My daughters favorite things are "mine" and "more", and I'm still teaching her to say please. She does say "dankoo", though, which I think is her way of saying thank you. But these two sayings can open up so much for you. When you ask "may I please", people are more likely to listen and appreciate how you asked, that you actually have a better chance of getting what you want. Thank you is also a great way to end the note positively and will make them want to help you more.

• Eye contact: Not in a creepy, I'm going to kill you in your sleep way, but in a sincere, I'm listening, sort of way. When someone is talking to you, pay attention and learn to look them in the eye. I have done security and loss prevention for years and avoiding eye contact is a sure fire way to make me suspicious that you are either holding something back or not telling the truth at all.

• Taking interest in others: Eye contact will help, but really taking an interest in what someone has to say will make them feel more positively about you. Epictetus says "you have two ears and one mouth for a reason". This means learn to not talk and just listen to people. Maybe bring up questions related to what they are talking about. You can spend an entire conversation not saying a thing about yourself and if you are genuinely interested in a person, they will have nothing but good to say about you.

• Apologize when you are wrong: Admitting when you've made a mistake is difficult, but we all know that we are going to do it. The best way around it is to fess up about it. When you are wrong, graciously admit it and apologize. That shows humility and courage. More people will respect what you have to say because you aren't afraid to admit when what you say isn't correct.

• Smile: For the love of everything good, start this now! I started my career path in the military and they teach you to keep a straight face. It's great in a poker game, but not so much when out and about. For years, every time I've gone out or just sat around with friends, I've been asked what was wrong. Why? I wouldn't show it. Not happiness. Not sadness. Nothing. And people just assumed I wasn't okay. I've been overcoming that lately and forcing myself to smile regularly. Take pictures of my smile, and make an effort to smile more in public. It's not only addictive, but more people want to talk to you. Everyone is happy and cheerful around you. This has undoubtedly become my super power and the more I practice it, the better I feel all around. Do this. Do it now!

• Saying excuse me: This one is actually a pet-peeve of mine. Getting ran over by another customer while shopping, or getting cut off just while walking. It's even worse now that people are literally attached to their phones. They may not even see you and it's horrible. But you know what? If someone cuts me off and says excuse me, I actually feel a little better about it. They really shouldn't do it in the first place, but I shrug it off more when I'm told excuse me. Now, just imagine if everyone started saying it. How I feel, but multiplied. People paying attention and respecting one another.

There you go. Very basic principles that you can start today that will not only change your life, but may even have an effect on those around you. Be the change you wish to see in the world.