So much has changed from the generation I grew up in to the teens of today! I don't mean the technology, hairstyles or fashion (although that has changed tremendously as well). I am addressing different things like courtesy, humility, acknowledging ones elders, assisting with general chores, having basic responsibilities in a family that help one learn useful things for a life on ones own. Ok, many call it respect, or even integrity! This is not a rant by any means, nor is it a diss toward teens! It's an exploration of what is, of what I observe every day, a comparison to what "was" considered etiquette or perhaps even respect! Not sure if it's just me or this is a more widespread phenomenon! You want me to be more specific...
When we (I use the term we loosely to address the generation I belong to) entered a home (regardless of who's home) we removed our footwear at or as near the door as we could... not only that, but we picked it up and carefully placed it out of the way so the next person in the door would not have to trip over it. Not enough you say...
If my folks, or others labored in the kitchen cooking a meal, we would have been so very ashamed if we sat aside after the excellent meal and watched as they washed the dirty dishes as well. We would have found great humility and even joy in being able to help out and do that as a token of gratitude for the excellent meal. It would have been the least we could do.
I am pretty sure that if we used the last few sheets of toilet paper on the roll, that we would have gone out of our way to ensure that we replaced it with a new roll, or if it was unavailable at least thought to leave a note, or a box of tissues in its place! Still looking for more...
Ok, this one just completely defies reason... if I were to go and do my laundry and find clothes left in the dryer (that were dry & from my parents laundry) that I would most assuredly not throw them back in with the dirty laundry or on the dirty floor of the laundry room. My thought would be to either neatly fold those clothes and leave then on top of the dryer, or find a clean laundry basket to put them in & take them to my parents room.
Sigh. If I gave you any more it would indeed become a rant! Not what I intend.
Why has this changed? Am I the only one of my generation to note such things? Talk to me.
I have theories, thoughts, postulations, but none of that matters when I am in the midst of it going on... I just have to bite my lip and keep my mouth shut! I am not confrontational, do not wish to incite an argument and find it easier on everyone in the long run if I just keep on keeping on... I just want to understand it, is all! It does not compute in my mind at all. I would love to hear some rational, calm, discussional feedback to this observation. : )
Spread the love! I love all all five of the teens in my family very much. I just don't understand some things... maybe I'm just old school & leave it at that. Peace out.
