So on my mind today are some experiences that I've had out in the general public that haven't been very good. We've done quite a bit of eating out in restaurants, special programs for the kids, staying in hotels and in just being "out and about" this summer. I'm feeling particularly frustrated today at the lack of common courtesy and respect for others. (Disclaimer: if you haven't figured it out yet, this blog entry is going to be me venting and griping for awhile. Please disregard if you're in a really happy place right now.) Today I took the kids to the movies for a $1 early special. The theater was filled with summer camp kids. We had to sit way in front because apparently the entire theater was being reserved for the camp kids. Only about 1/2 of the seats were filled and the movie was going to begin shortly. The kids were running and talking. They were out of their seats unsupervised by their leaders and totally knocked me over as we were coming into the theater. Leaving the show, they all came barreling out and knocked over my daughter. Both times I approached one of the counselors and was granted a blank stare and a mouth hanging open. Not only did they not "get it" they certainly didn't do anything about it. The people working at the counters don't even look at you when you approach to pay or order. My Facebook friends know that I've griped about my library experience this week as well. The mamas hung out at the coffee bar while the older kids participated in a program, but they let their little ones run laps and use the library furniture as ramps and jungle gyms. Last weekend we were traveling out of town and stopped for dinner at Friday's. Four young women all hanging out at the hostess station continued their chat with cell phones out while we stood in front of them waiting to be seated. Not busy in the restaurant. Just getting ignored. One takes us to a table that although is cleared of dishes, was clearly just used and covered in food, napkins and water. Lots of other empty tables and even a booth, but she tells us to "just wait here while I get this cleared off.". A few minutes later we're greeted by a waitress who is either trying to sell us the frequent Friday's card or paying attention to the next table's conversation while standing at our table. Staying at a hotel, the Coach of a team that was also staying there, served as an EXCELLENT role model as he yelled across the entire breakfast room of other guests and made no attempt to quiet his players the night before while they played ball in the hallways.
I guess my thought is this: Whatever happened to common courtesy???? Why aren't parents teaching their kids how to behave in public places? Why are public places considered "anything goes" for behavior and language? Why don't waiters and waitresses act like their customers matter? AND....how about some manners? Is i really too much to ask for?
I'm not just wearing my teacher pants. I'm not just wearing my mom hat. I'm just trying to instill good values in my children and would like to be out in the world without having to put them in earmuffs!! Please. Thank you.
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