How to be Polite and does it important ?

Kashif Hanif
7 min readMay 8, 2023

--

Being polite is a valuable social skill that can help you build better relationships with others, avoid misunderstandings, and create a positive impression in various situations.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels

Question is that What is Politeness ?

Politeness refers to the use of courteous, respectful, and considerate behavior in social interactions. It involves showing respect for others’ feelings, opinions, and personal boundaries, and treating them with dignity and kindness.

Politeness can be expressed in a variety of ways, including using polite phrases like “please” and “thank you,” speaking in a calm and respectful tone of voice, avoiding interrupting or talking over others, and showing interest and empathy towards others.

Politeness is an essential social skill that helps to promote positive social interactions, build relationships, and maintain a harmonious social environment. It can be particularly important in situations where people have different backgrounds, beliefs, or cultural norms, as it helps to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for diversity.

Overall, politeness involves being mindful of others’ feelings and showing respect and consideration in all social interactions.

What are the reasons why i should be polite ?

There are many reasons why being polite is important. Here are a few:

A) Build better relationships

One of the main reasons to build better relationships with politeness is that it can help to create a positive and harmonious social environment. When we are polite, we demonstrate that we value and respect others, which can help to build trust, empathy, and positive social interactions. Here are some tips for building better relationships with politeness:

1.Use positive language: Use language that is positive, respectful, and courteous. Avoid negative or critical language, and focus on communicating in a way that is uplifting and affirming.

2.Listen actively: Listen attentively and show interest in what others are saying. Ask questions and show empathy to demonstrate that you are invested in the conversation and care about the other person’s perspective.

3.Show appreciation: Show appreciation for others’ efforts and contributions, and express gratitude when appropriate. This can help to build positive feelings and foster a sense of mutual respect and appreciation.

4.Be mindful of personal space and boundaries: Be mindful of others’ personal space and boundaries, and respect their privacy and autonomy. Avoid intrusive or invasive behaviors, and ask for consent when appropriate.

5.Practice empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes and try to see things from their perspective. This can help you to understand their needs, feelings, and concerns and communicate with them in a way that is respectful and empathetic.

B) Avoid misunderstandings

Misunderstandings can happen in any type of communication, whether it’s verbal, written, or non-verbal. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of misunderstandings occurring. Some tips on how to avoid misunderstandings:

1.Be clear and concise: When communicating with others, try to be clear and concise in your message. Avoid using complex language or jargon that may be difficult to understand. Use simple, straightforward language and avoid ambiguity.

2. Confirm understanding: After communicating with someone, it can be helpful to confirm that they understand your message. You can do this by asking them to repeat what you said or summarizing the key points of the conversation.

3. Listen actively: In addition to being clear in your own communication, it’s important to actively listen to others. Avoid interrupting and try to understand their perspective and message.

4. Check your assumptions: Misunderstandings can arise when we make assumptions about others’ intentions or beliefs. Try to avoid making assumptions and instead ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understand their perspective.

5. Use appropriate communication channels: Different communication channels can be more or less effective for different types of messages. For example, complex or sensitive information may be better communicated in person rather than over email or text.

6. Consider cultural differences: Misunderstandings can also arise from cultural differences in communication styles and norms. Try to be aware of cultural differences and adapt your communication style accordingly.

C) Creating a positive impression

Creating a positive impression with politeness can help you build better relationships and improve your social interactions. Here are some tips on how to create a positive impression with politeness:

1. Use manners: Basic manners, such as saying “please” and “thank you,” can go a long way in creating a positive impression. Use polite language and show respect and consideration for others.

2. Be attentive: When interacting with others, be attentive and engaged in the conversation. Listen actively and show interest in what they have to say.

3. Show empathy: Show empathy by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and considering their feelings and perspective. This can help you communicate in a way that is respectful and compassionate.

4. Show appreciation: Show appreciation for others’ efforts and contributions, and express gratitude when appropriate. This can help to build positive feelings and foster a sense of mutual respect and appreciation.

5. Be punctual: Being punctual shows respect for others’ time and can create a positive impression. Try to arrive on time for appointments or meetings.

6. Avoid negativity: Avoid negative language, criticism, or gossip, as these can create a negative impression and damage relationships.

7. Smile: A smile can help to create a positive impression and make others feel more comfortable and at ease.

D) Improve Communication

Improving communication with politeness involves using respectful and courteous language and behaviors that demonstrate your consideration for others. Here are some tips to help you improve your communication with politeness:

1. Practice active listening: Active listening is a skill that involves giving your full attention to the person speaking and making an effort to understand their perspective. Avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions, and ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understand their message.

2. Choose your words carefully: The words you use can impact how others perceive you and your message. Choose words that are respectful, positive, and clear, and avoid negative or critical language.

3. Avoid assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about others’ intentions, beliefs, or perspectives. Instead, ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understand their message and perspective.

4. Be empathetic: Empathy involves understanding and acknowledging others’ feelings and perspectives. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and consider how they might be feeling or what they might be thinking.

5. Use “I” statements: When expressing your own thoughts or feelings, use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. This can help to avoid blame or accusation and keep the conversation focused on your own experiences and feelings.

6. Show appreciation: Show appreciation for others’ contributions and efforts, and express gratitude when appropriate. This can help to build positive feelings and foster a sense of mutual respect and appreciation.

It takes effort and practice, but the benefits of positive and effective communication are well worth it.

POLITENESS IS NECESSARY ALL THE TIME ?

There may be certain situations where strict adherence to social norms of politeness may not be necessary or appropriate.

For example, in emergency situations, clear and concise communication may be more important than being overly polite. In certain professional contexts, such as negotiations or debates, assertiveness may be more effective than politeness.

Additionally, cultural norms and expectations around politeness can vary, and what is considered polite in one culture may not be considered polite in another.

Overall, while politeness is generally considered to be a valuable social skill, it is important to consider the specific context and cultural norms when deciding how to interact with others. In some situations, directness, assertiveness, or other communication styles may be more appropriate than strict adherence to social norms of politeness.

WHY I SOMETIMES NEVER BE POLITE ?

There can be several reasons why someone may sometimes struggle to be polite in certain situations. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Lack of awareness: Sometimes people may not be aware of what constitutes polite behavior in certain situations or may not have been taught the social norms of politeness.

2. Stress or emotional distress: High levels of stress or emotional distress can sometimes make it difficult for people to regulate their emotions or be polite in their interactions with others.

3. Cultural differences: Different cultures may have different social norms for politeness, and what may be considered polite in one culture may not be considered polite in another.

4. Lack of social skills: Some people may struggle with social skills, which can make it challenging to interact politely with others.

5. Personality traits: Certain personality traits, such as shyness or assertiveness, can sometimes make it difficult for people to express themselves politely in social situations.

It is important to remember that being polite is a learned social skill and that everyone has areas where they can improve. If you struggle with being polite in certain situations, it may be helpful to seek out resources or support to help you develop these skills. This could include reading books or articles on social etiquette, seeking guidance from a mentor or coach, or practicing social interactions in a safe and supportive environment.

MY Final Opinion

In conclusion, being polite is essential in building positive relationships with others and creating a harmonious environment. Politeness involves using respectful language and behaviors that demonstrate consideration for others. It can enhance personal well-being, improve communication, and prevent misunderstandings.

On the other hand, being rude can damage relationships, create conflict, and negatively impact personal well-being. Rude behavior can include using disrespectful language, interrupting others, ignoring social norms, or showing disregard for others’ feelings or opinions.

It is important to remember that politeness is not about being passive or inauthentic. Rather, it is about treating others with respect and consideration, while also expressing yourself honestly and assertively. By practicing politeness in your daily interactions, you can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and enhance your overall well-being.

--

--

Kashif Hanif
Kashif Hanif

Written by Kashif Hanif

My name is Kashif Hanif. I am a student of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. I observed things nearly and here on medium I share my thoughts and ideas.

No responses yet