“Thanks for flying American. Just a reminder that American Airlines has a quiet cabin policy. This means that when using your phone or any device, you must use earbuds when listening. This allows other passengers to enjoy their flight. Thank you for your cooperation,” the flight attendant announced over the plane’s loudspeaker.

DO PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO BE REMINDED OF THIS?!

How often do you see people using their speaker phone when they are having a conversation, for all around to hear versus simply picking up and using the handset?

When did so many lose their understanding of proper manners? Of good social graces.

So many around us seem to believe that they are the most important person in the room (or plane), or really anywhere.

Well, I have news for all of them….

YOU’RE NOT THAT IMPORTANT. None of us are.

No one needs to hear what is going on with you.

Nobody is interested in hearing your poor choice of music or television show.

NO ONE!

Being considerate to those around you should not require reminders, a formal announcement, or a company policy.

It should just be known.

Our kids need to understand this, too.

They are the next set of perpetrators, and it’s up to us as parents to properly guide them.

Technology and entitlement should not be mutually exclusive.

Yup, it just comes down to good old-fashioned manners.

Be considerate.

Remember that other people matter too.

So simple yet so true – and too often forgotten.

-J.D.