Being respectful is an admirable quality. I know I probably sound like some old digger who fought in the trenches for his country when I say that sort of thing, but it is. And at the risk of sounding further like some crusty old curmudgeon, don't kids have any respect these days? I'm not saying all kids, because most are great, but some need a lesson in R.E.S.P.E.C.T..
You see, the other day I was walking to catch the bus to work. A group of young school boys were sloping their way towards me, yarning among themselves, spread three a breast across the footpath. I expected them to fall into single file since I was wielding my trusty umbrella like a bayonet.
I'm kidding. All I was doing was walking at a fair clip to get the bus. But do you think they were going to move over. Not a chance. They shouldered past me, and while not making contact there was a definite attitude to it. I had to take the wide berth onto the grass verge. Which is fine, but it's the intimidation that got me. The little punks.
Now, I'm not a celebrated war veteran or a lovely old granddad out for his morning stroll who deserves some respect. But doesn't a hard working bloke like myself, who's approaching middle-age, deserve a little bit of the pavement at least?
It got me thinking. I hope I'm able to instil in my two girls the value of being respectful - and much of it comes down to good manners. Things like, and call me old fashioned, giving up your seat for an elderly person on the bus or letting the lovely lady go first.
