It Takes so Little
Joneen Mackenzie writes that ordinary courtesy has become rare enough to be valuable, and announces a middle-school masterclass starting October 5.
Joneen Mackenzie ·
It takes remarkably little to stand out today. In fact, many of the qualities that once seemed ordinary—saying “please” and “thank you,” looking someone in the eye, listening when someone else speaks, showing consideration, and treating people with genuine respect—have become surprisingly rare. Because they are rare, they have become extraordinarily valuable.
I was reminded of this recently after returning from a cruise and a fishing trip with my two 13-year-old grandsons, during which we celebrated their entry into their teens. Watching these young men interact with others was a joy. They were a delight to be around. Their effusive kindness, good manners, thoughtfulness, and emotional intelligence were on full display. They noticed people. They greeted them. They expressed appreciation. They listened. They were respectful toward employees, fellow travelers, servers, and strangers. And something fascinating happened: people noticed them. Again and again, adults remarked on how polite, engaging, and mature they were. Their behavior stood out not because they were trying to impress anyone, but because genuine courtesy has grown increasingly rare in our coarsening culture. This experience strengthened my conviction that it takes so little to be above average.
One doesn’t have to be the smartest person in the room. You don’t have to have the most money, the most impressive résumé, or the biggest personality. Sometimes, simply being respectful, gracious, dependable, attentive, and kind puts someone miles ahead of the competition.
That is why I am committed to launching my new company, Manners Are Magic. I will host an eight-hour middle school manners master class on Saturdays at the Inverness Hotel, starting October 5, 2026, to teach social skills and emotional intelligence, giving these young people an edge on their path to success.
Manners are not merely about knowing how to set a table, which fork to use, or remembering to say “please.” True manners are about recognizing that other people matter. They are the outward expression of character, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and respect. Manners matter enormously for success.
In the workplace, people work alongside individuals who communicate effectively, manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and make others feel valued. In business, relationships are built on trust. In leadership, influence depends on how others experience you. In friendships and marriage, consideration and respect are foundational. Even in a job interview, a person’s ability to listen, make eye contact, express gratitude, and engage respectfully can communicate more than a résumé ever could.
Manners, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness create opportunities because people remember how you make them feel. The good news is that these skills can be taught, practiced, and mastered. They are not reserved for a privileged few. These life and leadership skills are available to everyone.
We live in a world that desperately needs more civility, kindness, self-control, and respect. Perhaps the most encouraging part is this: becoming exceptional doesn’t always require extraordinary effort. Sometimes, it simply requires doing ordinary things exceptionally well. Say thank you. Hold the door. Listen. Show up. Keep your word. Put your phone down. Treat everyone with dignity. It takes so little to be above average. That’s why manners are magic.
For more information about the Manners are Magic Middle School Masterclass starting October 5, 2026, please contact: joneen@narme.org
Print source: The Villager, Vol. 44 No. 40, Aug. 27, 2026, page 3. The print page mixes the column with adjacent ads; this draft follows the readable column text from the issue extract.