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The Art of Being Courteous
by Dr. Gary Chapman
COURTESY: the act of treating everyone as a personal friend.
One of the marks of a loving person is courtesy. The popular conception of courtesy is to be well mannered. However, the word courtesy is much richer; it means to be "friendly minded." Treating everyone as though they were a friend.
Courtesy is rooted in the belief that behind every face is a person worth knowing.
If we believe that every person we meet is valuable, courtesy will be inevitable. Everyone we encounter gives us an opportunity to extend courtesy. Today, initiate every conversation as though the person you are talking to is a friend.
What would your relationships be like if you....
- Treated every individual as a potential friend?
- Made choices as you drove, talked on the phone, traveled, and interacted with your neighbors that showed you value every person's worth?
- Received others' acts of kindness and generosity with graciousness?
- Spoke courteously with everyone, even those with whom you disagree?
- Learned to express common courtesies to the people you love the most?
Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman. Based on the book, Love As a Way of Life by Gary Chapman. Published by Waterbrook Publishing. For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here. | 
