Let’s take a breather from news of the economy. crime and global strife and talk about manners. Good manners are still in style. We’re not here to say present generations are any worse, in this respect. than those of the past. It could be they’re better. But there’s always room for improvement. Tennyson called manners “the fruit of loyal nature and a noble mind” and Emerson said that fine manners need the support of fine manners in others.” Generations earlier. William of Wykeham (13241404) used “Manners makyth man” as the motto of his two foundations, Winchester College and New College. Oxford. in our time. Paul Harvey suggested we show more respect for our political. religious civic and military leaders and be generous in use of such terms as “sir.” “president” and “pastor.” “When we begin to calli our governors and legislators ‘Billy’ and ‘Johnny,’ ” quoth columnist Harvey. “the leaders who used to try to measure up – start measuring down.” Manners and courtesy on our part invite similar treatment from others. The reciprocal response is evident in many fields. including: – Being attentive and a good listener in conversations; respecting others’ views; honoring the elderly; opening doors for the ladies and giving up a seat to someone handicapped or otherwise in greater need of it than you. – Being sensitive enough at church. concerts, programs and whatnot to take the baby out when crying prevents others from hearing. – Observing the “rules of the road” when driving and avoiding such crudlties as tailgating. passing when the semaphore just ahead is red and yelling constructive criticism” to other drivers. Yes. and taking time to turn off the lights inadvertently left on by another motorist when he parked. Maybe we should spend more time in our homes. schools and churches talking about the merits of good manners and good citizenship. Andre Maurois asserted that “learning is nothing without cultivated manners, but when the two are combined in a woman you have one of the most exquisite products of civilization.” That’s saying a mouthful and it applies equally to men. A final suggestion: Don’t fall into a common trap of downgrading your spouse as stupid or unwitting. After all. he for she) was smart enough to marry you.