Should you still say, "Please," "Excuse me," and "Thank you"?

It is indeed my pleasure. Thank you.

 

Please, excuse me, and thank you, all the time. I hold doors open for everyone, regardless of gender.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a complete asshole; I'm just a polite one.

 

We're a polite group of people, aren't we?

I'm a server, so yes, I say all of these things at work constantly. Although I've noticed I tend to substitute, "I'm sorry," for "excuse me." I do the same in my non-work life. Something I've noticed is that when I ask how other people are doing (customer service reps, cashiers, bank tellers, etc.), they're surprised. On the one hand, I'm glad I asked. On the other hand, it makes me a little sad that my thinking to ask is out of the ordinary for them.

 

Add a big smile to the thankyou. It warms the heart of the giver and the recipient too I think. I used to tell my then small boys - good manners cost nothing, but bad manners can cost you dearly.

 

Keeping in mind that TFP'ers are NOT a normal group (I like to think we're a cut above in terms of intelligence and consideration... well, the rest of you guys anyway), so it doesn't surprise me that the general response is overwhelmingly yes on here. And yes, I do, and insist that my children do as well.

On the other hand, I'm willing to bet that everyone who said yes here has a multitude of horror stories of friends/acquaintances who just don't know how exhibit basic politeness. I've had bosses who didn't understand the concept, and a friend who couldn't say thank you for a favour received to save his life. He has other admirable qualities, but he simply refuses to acknowledge something done for him.

For the most part, using the expressions does seem to bring out the appropriate response in others. As another question, how many have you said "You're welcome" to someone when they haven't thanked you, only to get a surprised "Oh... Thank you" as a response?

 

Just to make it clear, there are phrases in Icelandic for "please" but as stated by Cynthetiq "thank you" is often used where "please" is used in English. In reverse I don't know of a general word or phrase in English that applies to both announcing that food is served and holding a door open for someone. But that's just a difference between languages.

 

Then again, the title asks "Should you..."
Absolutely! Life is full of work and worry. Stress lurks everywhere. A bit of kindness and courtesy lifts both the receiver and the giver.

 

I am Canadian... I think it's in our genetics to be both polite and overly apologetic.

I also hold the door for people and let people enter/exit before me.

 

Oh Charlatan, how my son looked heavenward when I suggested Benton Frasers manners were something to aim for as he (character) was a fine example to follow. My friend thought it cruelty to give him such a high bar to reach for. If it is genetics, its something worth keeping in the gene pool/blood lines.

 

We should all be as polite as he is...

 

Absolutely. As I've heard it said before, courtesy is the grease of conversation, or something to that effect. It doesn't cost you anything, doesn't actually put you in any sort of vulnerable position, and quite frequently helps you get what you want in situations where a rude or confrontational approach would screw you over. It usually makes everyone feel better, and there's always time to go full-asshole if necessary. Seems like a no-brainer.

 

I completely agree with you. Since I started working in a bar/restaurant, it's amazing how many people are so rude and dont even acknowledge you. But if I were to be like that whilst doing my job, they'd be the first to complain.

Politeness costs nothing and just a simple thank you can really make someones day

 

I still say all of those things. I feel guilty when I forget. I always make a point of thanking service persons. My daughter now does the same. ( yay me )

Sometimes with friends or in a relaxed environment, these things can be implied or said less often, otherwise half the conversation would be "Yes, please, thank you". You can start and finish the night with "Thanks for coming/inviting me", and end with "Thanks for inviting me/coming" sort of thing.

 

Why just the other day, young woman, too busy on her phone to say 'hold on a second' snapped her fingers to get my attention, then pointed at what she wanted.

Later this little waif appraches me and ask 'excuse me, Mr. can you help us find....' we, were her and her foreign national mother, she was translating.

One got service.

also, I use maam a lot, to stranger women, to co workers, to my sisters and mom, to little girls like neices, granddaughters and the little one mentioned above. I think of it as a term of respect and to some degree, endearment. Why is it that women, some of a certain age, insist that they are not a maam? That that's for old women?

 

First, I don't disagree with any politeness you offer, ever. It's awesome. To literally take a stab at your question: 'M'am', I believe, is short for 'madam' which if I remember (not looking this up) is used when referring to either a married woman or 'a woman of a certain age'--a woman who is not a 'Miss.'
I knew I was circling the drain (j/k) when strangers stopped calling me 'Miss' and defaulted to M'am.

 

Blu ... "Politeness costs nothing and just a simple thank you can really make someones day."

The same with a sincere smile. Sincerity produces a vibe that's rarely mistaken.

 

Did I miss something, or when did "current girlfriend" turn into "wife"?