Manners take such a little effort, but can have a huge effect on your life and the lives of others who intersect with your life. Since it seems to be a forgotten art, let me gently remind everyone of the basics:
1. Say "thank you". Plain and simple. Whether its for a gift or because someone has opened the door.
2. Say "please". I realise we are in a society where everything is fast,fast, fast. But chopping this word off of your sentences,people, will really not buy you that much time.
3. Say "excuse me or pardon me". Needing to pass by someone who is blocking the way, passing wind, burping, sneezing on someone's arm.....all good reasons to say this. And leaving me standing alone at a party to go talk with someone more interesting in another room will always be rude whether you say these words or not.
4. Say "sorry" (but only use "sorry" if you mean it). Plowing into someone, stepping on a foot, or cutting someone off in a queue are just a few places where this can be said.
5. Learn to observe body language. Just because you trap me in a corner at my desk, doesn't mean you can ramble on about your mother's garden for 20 excrutiating, ear-bleeding minutes. When I look at the clock, look over your shoulder like there's something important coming or turn around and face my computer....that's a signal that "your times up.....thanks for playing!" I should not hear you comment on the picture of the cute baby on my desk but should hear the pitter-patter of your shoes leaving for your next victim.