It’s such a small thing. Standing up to meet or greet someone. I have long been disappointed in the many men I’ve met who can’t be bothered to stand up. Do that to me and it’s going to be a steep hill for you to climb, to earn my respect.

I was dwelling on it this morning and felt a need to get it out there.

Related, not long ago I met the son of a Wyoming Highway Patrol officer. The boy was about 9, gave me a limp handshake, and looked down at my belt line. In the officer’s defense, he is divorced and mother has custody, but you can (at least potentially) learn so much about a person by looking them in the eye and feeling the handshake. I actually said to the boy, “I’m up here,” to get him to lift his eyes. I didn’t think more from me was warranted.

Agreed. Unless you're in some way hindered, get up on your hind legs and greet folks properly.

And not removing your hat when you come indoors.

Father would have removed my head from under the hat.

The exceptions being members for the military who are under arms, who must remain covered even when indoors (at least the Marines do).


As an aside, the only people, save the Pentagon Force Protection Agency officers, I've seen openly tote firearms in the Pentagon are Marines.

Agree 100% to always stand when possible - It is a sign of Respect - Plain and Simple.

This would be one allowable exception

quote:

Originally posted by sigarmsp226:
Agree 100% to always stand when possible - It is a sign of Respect - Plain and Simple.

This would be one allowable exception

I could not agree more. What a douche (the one standing).

quote:

Originally posted by Sig2340:
And not removing your hat when you come indoors.

I haven't done that since the day I got out of the Army. I won't begrudge anyone who does, but it's impractical. Back in the Army days, with soft caps (or the ghey berets they wear now ) it was simple enough to stuff it in your cargo pocket and get on with your business. I'm not taking off my ballcap and holding it in my hand while I walk around the grocery store...or anywhere else for that matter. Nope. Hat stays on the head unless and until I feel like taking it off.

I do agree with TMats on the handshake, though.

It is one thing not to agree with anyoneon any item. It is totally a different thing not toshown a level of respect for a person position, (i.e. A judge, LEO, elected officials etc)
I may like the president of the US policies but I fully resppect the office he holds.
Wearing a hat indoors has become a US staple of what we do. Not properly addressing people.

I was taught as a young man that one rises when a gentleman or lady enters the room. I don't remember ever being taught the "right thing to do" when a self-important asshole enters the room.

Standing yes. Hats no.

The hat removal thing is dated. Went out with Cary Grant. I'm not taking off a baseball cap because that is what they did in the 50's with their fedoras. I wear shorts to church now too. My mom would have died before letting me do that as a kid. lol

I find myself stand to meet someone new that I don't know .

But not to friends or family.

Never hats indoors

Our society has changed so much just during our lifetimes! When I was in the first grade, every Friday afternoon we'd leave our regular classroom and go to another where we were instructed how to be "ladies and gentlemen." The girls had to learn how to curtsey, walk across the room with a book on top of their heads; the boys were taught to hold the door for a lady, pull out her chair for her, stand when she arrived or departed the scene, etc.

And, as pedropcola said, church? Wow - what a difference! We wore our very best clothes to church. Every Saturday night, we'd polish our shoes for the next day's service. My brother once asked my father why we had to dress up for church. My father knew how much my brother respected Ed Sullivan, so he asked, "If you were going to meet Ed Sullivan, would you wear your best clothes?" After my brother answered in the affirmative, my Dad said, "So, you'll dress up for Ed but not for God?"

Honestly, I think it's generational. I see no problem with a handshake, but I'd just as soon not if given the option. I will likely never initiate it, but I also wont just leave someone hanging their hand out there either. I simply don't like touching others or being touched. Handshake to hug from new acquaintance to old friend, I'd just rather not.

Hats are only an issue to me in someone else's home or at a table. Simply the way I was raised. Hats off to eat or in someone's home or office. I suppose I'd give the same respect to a church if I attended one. I do not remove mine when entering the church that is our local polling place to vote, but I also don't really believe in what they're selling. As to walmart or a movie, not so much.

We were meeting for breakfast during a family get together for Thanksgiving. My collage aged niece and her boyfriend showed up and as soon as he sat down he took off his ballcap and put it on the floor under his seat. Turned out she warned him about proper etiquette and that the family took it seriously.

Another one I learned was when I was an RDC at boot camp in Great Lakes. Removing your glove to shake hands.

I've been wearing ball caps for as long as I can remember. I never take it off if going into a restaurant or someone's home. I don't know any one else that does either. It does get taken off going to church, so there is that.

Even at my age I will always stand if meeting someone.

No gloves on for shaking hands, no sunglasses when greeting either. I want nothing preventing eye contact.
Billy

I was raised to stand whenever a lady enters/departs the room or the table.

Always offer your seat to a female or an elder. Hold the door for everyone, but especially a lady.

Also never eat with a hat on.

Shake hands firmly but carefully so as not to injure the other party.

Make at least some eye contact when conversing with someone, unless they’re wearing sunglasses inside (which annoys the $#it out of me unless it’s for medical reasons.)

No profanity in the presence (earshot) of females or elders. (This was mainly when I was school-aged, but it’s still the gentlemanly way.)

Glove off to shake hands unless actually outside in the cold. Of course now most folks just fist-bump, and besides, I may be the only one in Tucson who wears gloves. Lol

And of course the most basic of common courtesies — Sir, Ma’am, Please, and Thank You!!

I guess I kind of exceeded the topic a bit; my apologies.

I was always taught to stand when greeting someone, AND give a firm handshake... no wet dishrags!

We also used to polish boots, iron creases into clothing, and have clean shaven faces (military).

A lot is changing. I'm told not all of it bad. The real issue I'm gathering from nearly every post...is the lack of respect and recognition of others. I can respect those that find a way to accomplish that in a recognizable manner.

I used to always get stand upon entry of someone into a room. Knees dictate now how often that happens, but eye contact and a greeting no matter what. I do still hold doors when presented with the opportunity, and go a little out of my way to do so when able. Even for the ungrateful females. Sometimes especially for them.

I decided I've reached the age where I don't have to get up for no one. If I do anyway, it's going to take me 15 minutes.