h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Something that stuck me quite early on in this job is that people are polite and friendly. And then I realised why the other day; we're given the *opportunity* to show politeness at every turn. I go through five locked doors to get to my office, and often meet people along the way who leave doors open for me or lock them behind me and vice versa. In places without this sort of set up, there's no reason to talk to people, to be given the opportunity to do things for other people.

It's nice.

A comment made by the late Tony Hancock in one of his radio shows, springs immediately to mind - "civility costs nothing my man"

Indeed, however without the opportunity to show it, it could easily wither away without practice.

I recall a couple years back, a rare outing on a train and I stood up to offer a lady my seat as the train was packed. She was probably in her 30s but her comment shocked me somewhat. She said it was the first time in her life anyone had done that and she was so touched by the gesture.
It was just second nature to me but I guess it's a sign of the times. All this equality stuff, I think I prefer some of the more traditional mannerisms. Manners cost nowt, nor does having respect.

I wouldn't mind if I were the lady, but I would also offer my seat if I saw someone more deserving than me (of course, 'more deserving' wouldn't include a lady of roughly the same age as me unless there were other circumstances).

Equality and manners can co-exist, but both sexes have to adapt.