From the time we are children, one lesson is drilled into us by the adults around us: Be polite. Be polite no matter how irritated you are. Be polite no matter what the provocation. Be polite even if the other person is not. I could go on, but you get the general drift.
Because good manners cost nothing, be polite.
· We all get our share of invitations that strike terror in our hearts. My nightmare scenarios include Holi parties, Diwali milans, musical soirees where the hosts insist on performing, art exhibitions that are vanity projects for people with more money than talent, and so on. The default position when presented with these invitations is to ‘be polite’ and turn up for a short while to mark your attendance before making your escape. Well, I’m done wasting the time I have left on this planet on these tedious get-togethers. From now on, I am going to make my excuses and stay right at home. · When I visit people’s homes , I have absolutely no problem lying about the food the hostess has served up. Even if I absolutely hate it, I paste a smile on my face and pretend to love it. Hell, I even go back for seconds. But when it comes to restaurants, there is no point in doing the whole ‘be polite’ thing. Now, I don’t go out of my way to diss the chef if he is serving up slop, but if I am asked by the wait staff or the kitchen how I like the food, I am going to be honest. So, don’t ask the question if you don’t want the truth – polite or otherwise.
