re: It amazes me how unusual common courtesy is to people in the north

My first trip to Boston I was by myself killing some time and was in an empty bar, I approached the bartender and said "can I start a tab?", as in, opposed to having to pay for each drink at a time since some places are different. He looks me dead in the eye and goes "you gonna buy something?"

It was then I knew it was a bit of a less hospitable region than I was used to.

quote:

---

If it's so useless why does our military use it?

---

yep, it's not only courteous but useful in dealing with/motivating people, I use it all the time at work, and I'm pretty much the honcho, and away from work, I'm sure I always will

All I know is that I would have slayed poon in the northeast, particularly Philly, with my mix of down the bayou and country accent

I’m heading to NYC for the first time in a few weeks, will report back how it goes over there


Plus I have been complimented on my manners/courtesy many times

quote:

---

I’m heading to NYC for the first time in a few weeks, will report back how it goes over there

---

Probably one of the more appropriate times to use this overused meme.

quote:

---

I doubt any wars have been won because of verbal pleasantries.

---

battles have damn sure been won because of discipline, and training though

Thanks mr city slicker

If you dont look like a troll and have good manners you'll swim in arse up north

Eta: you also dont have to contend with every girl over 24 being married and every one over 35 being divorced eith 2 crumb snatchers up there like you do down here. Far more of them are single or casually dating a dweeb and it's like shooting fish in a 5 gallon bucket with an RPG

quote:

---

Thanks mr city slicker

---

quote:

---

this is absolutely meaningless except that it means you've been programmed to do it. That junk needs to go away bc it's more retarded than anything. if someone doesn't say it and it bothers you, that's bc of your own ignorance and pride. opening or holding a door is practical; sir and ma'am are meaningless.

---

Actually, that's almost totally incorrect. It shows a basic acknowledgement of their human dignity. It's not quite respect because that is earned through words and actions, but it is a recognition of their personhood. Do unto others and all that.

quote:

---

battles have damn sure been won because of discipline, and training though

---

They sure have. I'd imagine that much more of the discipline and training come from the physical torture they are put through rather than the verbiage they use to refer to others. That's just interwoven into the physical punishment as the structure that they live within.

But like I said, I use 'ma'am' and 'sir' and will always do so because I think it's appropriate. But I've met plenty of pieces of shite that refer to others like that and plenty of great folks that don't. I don't really consider it when judging character.