But have we lost the skill of other common courtesies and general considerations?

How often do you let in a vehicle that has indicated to merge into the traffic, or are you the motorist with the “not my problem” attitude?

The last time you came up to someone reverse parking did you wait patiently for them to complete the manoeuvre or were you the arrogant driver who revved passed on the opposite side of the road with no consideration for the person trying to park or any oncoming traffic.

And when was the last time you saw a mum struggling with a toddler and a trolley full of groceries, but you just stood back and watched instead of offering assistance.

It’s often difficult not to think we are becoming a self-absorbed society focussed only on how we can get what we want and where we want to go, with no consideration to others.

The practise of giving a thank you card or complimenting someone on a job well done is sadly being replaced with people searching for faults in the efforts of others and offering unnecessary criticism.

Surely this negative behaviour doesn’t make anyone feel good or is that some people are simply on a power trip where they only feel good if they are bringing other people down?

No doubt most people have been on the end of both the good and bad manners at some stage.

And if they have they would realise that a kindness extended to others is as appealing in its giving as it is in its receiving.

Try to remember how good you felt when someone offered you encouragement and kindness and do the same for someone else - a smile, an offer of assistance, a show of patience, that’s all it takes.