Good Etiquette: A Romantic Idea
On one occasion or the other, we have all taxed our minds and our resources trying to find the most creative or the most expensive gift to present to the love of our life in order to express our deepest affections, or we have been the recipient of such lavish efforts. An initial consideration might find this practice acceptable, but upon second glance, it might only be flattery (an attempt to gratify by undo praise).
In a day where truth has become so vague, and personal or individual value has so declined, we as a society could possibly counteract this misfortune by responding to each other with acts that define another's value to us. Holding another in high esteem and causing them to know it is a good place to begin.
Good etiquette and romance might appear to be opposing ideas, but I believe that we can make them compatible. World Book says that "the most important function of etiquette is to provide a general guideline for courteous, considerate behavior in everyday life." We might say that it sets protocol (rules for procedure) in situations or that it simply shows us how to have "good manners" in the presence of others. The word "romantic" takes our minds to thoughts of passion rather than reason, and imagination rather than logic. It causes us to conjure up scenes of fantastic and extravagant happenings instead of customary and practical things. Both ideas are valuable and wonderful, but there are lines of demarcation.
A great romantic idea may momentarily extract the most satisfactory response from your mate, but daily and consistent efforts to show appreciation to your mate's personhood will more than likely produce lasting results. We tend to value the relationship in which we make frequent and sincere deposits because it becomes an investment instead of just a passing fancy.
Certainly we would never dream of squashing the practice of giving exquisite gifts to the recipient of our affections. We simply want to be sure that we are adding our tangible or corporeal gifts to the ones that we daily deposit into the souls and spirits of our counterparts. The sweetest romance flows out of our character and has a nurturing quality. When we return to "please" and "thank you," sharing special time togrther, speaking kind words to and about each other, being real friends, writing love notes, asking forgiveness, opening doors and holding chairs, being on time, and just sincerely enhancing our relationship, then our presence will become a most esteemed gift.
An occasional gift of a diamond, a trip to the islands, a shopping excursion, or seasonal athletic tickets should be the proverbial "icing on the cake" to a lifestyle of loving and sharing. Out of the resources of our love and respect for each other, we can give our most creative and our most expensive gifts.
What about it? Is good etiquette a romantic idea?
Taken from:
"His Daughters Do Prophesy"
(With A Word For You)
Marion Clark Ingram/author
