Etiquette

It was Merril’s turn to pick the word from the dictionary again.  This time it was an E word.  Never had an E word before.  It was etiquette.  The meaning of this Oxford dictionary was “conventional rules of social behaviour in polite company.”
I thought that was a bit old but read the Cambridge dictionary definition which was not that different, “the set of rules or customs that control accepted behaviour in particular social groups.” 
I actually like that one a bit better.  What is acceptable for one group is the height of bad manners in another.  Merril was overseas and had hot and cold things together.  That was considered bad where she was but it is something we would not think twice about.  In some places it is considered a must to remove your shoes before entering an abode.  Here, sometimes we do and sometimes we do not.
My thinking is I will always try to blend in with the customs as long as they do not compromise my faith – which is the case nearly all the time.  I remember someone saying to me “custom to whom custom is due.”  I do not want to offend unnecessarily.  It has long been my opinion that the wider my reach the better.  I have no desire to limit my influence unnecessarily.
It seems to me a lot of what we consider etiquette is our custom built on common sense.  We like to be considerate to one another on the road.  I was in a bus one time and a driver indicated they would really like to go in front of the bus and around a corner they had missed.  It was ok with the driver.
I like that.  I consider a lot of my actions based on the premise that I would like it done to me so I accept doing it for another.
It is funny how it seems like etiquette is dying out.  There is so much shouting and putting down on social media.  The news if full of what is contrary to what is accepted good manners.  Yet it seems to me it is noteworthy because it is different from the accepted norm.
I am always pleased when I experience good will towards me from others.  Thankfully that is commonplace.
Call it etiquette, good manners or what you will it is desirable.  It makes the world a better place.  I am all for anything that makes the world a better place.