In the hot political climate of elections, relational agression, road rage and emotionally charged reality talk shows, many people say that Americans have lost their manners. Others remind us that manners, like charity, begins at home.

If you do not have good manners, it reflects poorly on yourself, your parents, and your lifestyle choices. When people disrespect their parents, or someone who is older or even younger, I feel uncomfortable.

People love to be treated with respect, or I know at least I do. If you don’t respect someone or use your manners, how do you expect people to treat you the same? Sometimes I may not have the best manners, but I always try my hardest to use them and show people that my parents and teachers have taught me well.

When a young person does not say thank you or does not show respect for others, that person implies that her parents did not do their job. I don’t want anyone thinking my parents didn’t do theirs. Overall, good manners should come naturally to all of us. They make a good first impression when we meet someone new, just as bad manners can make a lasting negative impression that is hard to change later.