April 20, 2018: Del Rio News-Herald * Letter to the Editor * Conveying compliments
Letter to
the Editor,
Conveying
compliments
Let us
reclaim the delights of chivalry and gentility.
In our
age of real worries and fears about sexual predators and abusers, we’ve lost
the ability to admire each other; to enjoy authentically and purely being congenial
with compliments because it gives us joy to admire that which is beautiful,
good and true about a person.
Men
should express this admiration with a genuine gentlemanly compliment and women
with the graciousness and gentility becoming of a lady.
Think of
your wife or husband, mother or father, sister or brother, and imagine how
you’d feel if someone said to them what you’re about to say.
Choose your
words wisely based on how well you know the other person, and the degree of
friendship you have. An honest self-inventory is needed. Examine your motives;
otherwise, keep your mouth shut and your hands to yourself. You’re
entitled to absolutely nothing at someone else’s expense.
Recall
how in old black and white movies men would tip their hat and smile at a woman?
It was innocent but sincere. Watch old Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
movies.
“You look
lovely!”
“How absolutely
charming!”
“You’ve
got your hands full! Allow me.”
“My
pleasure.”
“How thoughtful
of you!”
“What a
wonderful idea!”
“How clever
of you and how fortunate for me.”
“That’s
very kind of you.”
“Thank
you very much!”
We can
build each other up with pleasant words, polite smiles, and positive reception
for our gifts as men and women.
Be clear
about this: it’s an honorable admiration, one that knows and respects the
boundaries of decency. Debauchery has no place here.
Personal
virtue is the best guide and assurance of honor, for men and women.
We don’t
have to squelch our charm and appealing instincts, and we can inspire the
best in those around us. Men and women simply can enjoy one another with a pure
delight in each other’s charms and graces.
Let’s
resolve to rediscover and promote chivalry and gentility in our lives? Our life
will be charming when cultivating civility.
Marian Casillas,
Ed.D.
Del Rio,
Texas