When someone offers “a word to the wise,” it’s smart to heed what they’re saying. Remember your mother reminding you to say “please” and “thank you?” She knew what she was talking about.
I’m embarrassed to share how I forgot that lesson recently.
My husband and I were in Paris visiting our daughter. The French people are more formal than we are in the states. They were constantly saying “bonjour” (hello or good morning) and “merci” (thank you). Jay and I were good about saying “bonjour” and “merci” multiple times a day.
One afternoon, though, I forgot. Or I could say I was too weary from trucking all over Paris that day to mind my manners. We were at our last stop for the day–Notre Dame. I am fascinated by the architecture and art in that cathedral—one of the most amazing sites in Paris.
A service was being conducted while hundreds of tourists milled around quietly inside the cathedral. We walked around, stopping to observe the different sections of the cathedral, the incredible stained-glass windows, the statues—particularly the one of Joan of Arc—and the artwork.
Our self-guided tour ended up at the gift shop, of course. I was really interested in finding a book on the architecture of the cathedral, but nothing caught my eye.
So I went with one of our standard mementoes when we travel—a Christmas tree ornament. The alternative would have been a commemorative shot glass, but they didn’t sell those at Notre Dame.
I wasn’t overwhelmed by the selection of ornaments. I finally found one that would do. I looked at the young woman behind the counter and said, “How much is this?”
“Well, hello,” she said with a big smile and friendly manner.
“Are you English?” I asked. Some French people like to practice their English with visitors.
“No, I thought it would be good to greet each other first,” she said. In fact, she was French and was nicely reminding me that the French value courteous behavior.
In my exhaustion, I had forgotten to say “bonjour.” I realized I was coming across as a pushy American.
The words you use—whether at work or at home, in the U.S. or in France or elsewhere—are a sign of how much you respect others and yourself.
This article by Bill Murphy Jr. features 19 words that will make you more successful. Words 8-11 are ones that I rely on often, followed by word 12-15.
Remember that we’re all human beings and would like a little respect. It costs you nothing. “Merci” for reading.
© Pamela A. Scott, MentorLoft.com, 2016