OPINION
CAN I GET THAT R-E-S-P-E-C--T?Have people lost their respect for others? Why is politeness seen as a rarity nowadays? Shouldn't everyone be polite and respectful? The principle is that if someone hurts another, he or she needs to apologize. If someone does a favor for someone, whether it is give them $1,000 or pass the salt, that person needs to say thank you. This is this common courtesy, but as people grow older, they seem to forget to be polite. People have become lax on their manners, and this needs to change.
The phrase “respect your elders” may be misleading. People should respect those older than themselves, but once they reach a certain age, it does not suddenly become acceptable for one to be rude to younger people, nor is it acceptable to be impolite to someone of the same age. It is only common courtesy to treat everyone with the same amount of respect. People, especially teenagers, also have a problem respecting those in authority. Though no one really enjoys being told what to do, authority figures will always be present, so people will need to get used to it. Just because someone does not like being managed does not give them the right to be arrogant and deny authority. Projects, tasks, and everyday life will go so much more smoothly if everyone tries to have a good attitude and treat others how he or she wants to be treated. Everyone is responsible for his or her own words and actions, no matter how old he or she is. Additionally, bullying is a prevalent problem with teenagers; it is actually an extreme case of disrespect. If people just showed basic politeness to others, bullying would not exist. Young people can be so rude to others that it causes emotional trauma. The teenage years are hard enough without extra problems. Instead of making peers suffer, why can people not be kind to each other and help each other out with their struggles? Schools would be such a nicer place if everyone just decided to be friendly and display tolerance. Sometimes, however, people do not even try to be rude, everyone is wrapped up in his or her own world, sometimes he or she does not even notice other people. The sad part is it does not take much to be polite. It will only take half a second to say “thank you” and only add 5 seconds to someone’s day to hold the door open for another; and I am not just talking about the men. Men do not have the right to be rude to women, and women certainly have no right to be rude to men. No one person or group is ever given the right to be disrespectful. Practice kindness. Help someone carry his books, tell someone her outfit looks nice, and if someone does anything for you, make sure you thank them. It is easy to be polite, and the smile on people’s faces is reward enough. |
Why your best friends are the only Valentines you need February 14 is a day which the opinion of the populace is split in half. Some people look forward to the day, spend major dollars on flowers and chocolates, and make big plans for it. However, the other half of the planet may be feeling “forever alone,” with hopes that next year, he or she will have a Valentine. But a lack of a significant other is not the end of the world on Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year.
While avoiding the pictures of bouquets and heart-shaped gifts on Instagram, rather than buying an actor to act as your boyfriend (a company in China will actually send a fake boyfriend to customers who pay), remember what you do have rather than what you do not. Instead of moping about a relationship status, hang out with your best friends. Here is why: First of all, the price of seeing a movie, popcorn and a drink can add up. Your best friend will save you money and watch Netflix with you, since you already have a subscription. The best part is there is no disagreement about what type of movie to watch either, because you probably already have a mutual taste in movies—The Notebook, anyone? Also, buying gifts or dinner is unnecessary; you can split the price of snacks for the movie. Another plus side to spending the day with friends is that nothing is off limits on the menu- no need for diets or salad. They will understand that you want to eat everything in the fridge, because, honestly, they do too. No reason to lose weight to fit into a date night outfit, because your outfit of the night will most likely consist of sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Along with the lack of effort in the outfit, for girls, there is no need to wear makeup either. Considering all of the positive aspects to single life, having a “date” on Valentine’s Day is completely unnecessary. Spending the day with family and friends could make this year’s day the best you have ever had. |