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My mother drilled politesse into me from birth, I think. I distinctly remember etiquette lessons with her wherein we would practice things like answering the phone politely and properly, as well as how to eat a meal correctly, etc. Due to my dad's career, it was expected that I would be able to engage with adults in a polite and respectful manner in a variety of situations, both formal and informal.
Saying things like "please" and "thank you" are just givens, in my opinion. However, using things like "yes sir" and "no ma'am" are not really givens; regionally, I think you'd come off as a smart ass trying to say that in the PacNW. We're a little more egalitarian in that respect.
I still use my manners on a daily basis, and I do my best to teach "the magic words" and other finer points of etiquette to the children in my care. The magic words, by the way, aren't just "please" and "thank you", but also "you're welcome", and "excuse me" or "pardon me." I had fun just over a week ago when my SO and I went for brunch at a nice place in Chicago and I got to trot out my fancy manners. I do enjoy that.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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