Do you show your manners? It might seem like manners are something that only your parents worry about, but the whole idea of courtesy comes from a tradition as old as the stories about knights and damsels in distress. It’s no mistake that the word “courtesy” looks like it comes from “court” – acting with manners was something that one did in the presence of the king and queen. So maybe you aren’t going to be dining with the queen of England anytime soon, but that’s no reason to neglect your manners. These days, manners are more about showing respect for others than about impressing royalty. And they come in pretty handy whenever you’re trying to impress, well, anyone! Imagine how others might see you while you’re out to dinner at a restaurant – would they lose their appetite? Or if you were responding to a “Help Wanted” ad – would you get the job? Showing off your good manners is a perfect way to make that lasting first impression.

But manners aren’t all about first impressions– they’re also about how you act in everyday situations. From riding the subway or bus, to camping or hiking in the mountains, to sending your grandmother a thank-you card, manners are about how you relate to the world and others. Manners are also a big part of how society works; can you imagine what would happen if no one followed the rules of the road? Manners are kind of like the rules for driving – they help everyone move along in an orderly way. It also boils down to the golden rule (we’re sure you’ve heard it a million times): treat others how you’d like to be treated.

So whether you’re going to a nice restaurant before that semi-formal dance, or you’re just riding the subway on the way to school, manners can help you figure out how you should act. Find out if you’ve got a grasp on what manners mean under “Defined,” or go straight to “How To” to figure out how you can start showing off your good manners.