The Kindness of Uncommon Manners

"A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out."
~ George Bernard Shaw

About a week ago, I ran into a professional colleague at a wake.  We were walking out at the same time and he insisted on walking me to my car.  He then opened and closed my car door.  This man has impeccable manners, which are a reflection of the considerate and thoughtful person he is.  It is no surprise that he is incredibly successful and very well regarded by everyone who knows him.

I was reminded of him the other night when I drove a group of teenagers to a dance.  The oldest member of the group was a 14-year-old 9th grader, the son of a dear friend.  I must admit that I felt much more comfortable that my children were accompanied by this responsible and well-mannered young man.  When I took several of the teens to eat afterward, this young man opened and closed my car door (inspiring my younger son to do the same).  Whenever I would speak to him at the restaurant, he would turn in his seat to look at me.  And when I asked them if they had fun, he said, "Yes and I am not saying it to be polite."

I asked this young man's mother what she and her husband do to raise such a wonderulf young man, and in her lovely way, this woman nonchalantly said that it is "just" who he is.  Of course, I believe his parents have a hand in this, too.  And I also think that years from now, he will be like my professional colleague -- successful and well thought of in no small part because of his kindness.