Contest: Courtesy
In the world today, especially in Nigeria, where everything is hard as people are working very hard, they rarely have time to check on others, as they tend to themselves first.
Courtesy sometimes feels like old tradition. But truth be told, it's one of the most powerful tools anyone can have in building good relationships, gaining respect, and maintaining peace.
From how we greet strangers, to how we speak when we're angry — courtesy shows up in many forms. It is not just about saying “please” or even “thank you,” it also deals with how we treat other people irrespective of their status or even our status, as one good acts of kindness changes everything.
What do you understand by courtesy? Explain
| What I Understand by Courtesy |
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Courtesy to me, means being respectful and considerate towards others. It's like treating someone the way you want to be treated with decency and kindness, not by eye-service. Sometimes, people think you have to be rich or educated to be courteous. But this is not so.
Children as well can show courtesy, so it doesn't also depend on the age. To be respectful or polite has nothing to do with money. You can show courtesy, for instance, you see an elderly person standing you shouldn't be told to stand for them to sit, or the way you help and elder carry a heavy bag, when they are either going out or even coming back from their destinations, even in the aspect of your neighbourhood, when you want to play music, how you reduce the volume so as not to disturb others around, and so on, the list is endless.
They are those little things that people do not even notice but they create impact.
Do you think courtesy is important? Should it be observed? Tell us
| Is Courtesy Important? Should It Still Be Observed? |
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The should not even be a question in the first place
Yes it must, courtesy is not optional, it is a must. It should be a part of our every day life. In fact, the lack of courtesy is part of why many people argue unnecessarily, insult each other online, or fight over simple misunderstandings.
Courtesy builds respect and reduces conflict. If everyone shows courtesy, then Imagine a world where everyone said “excuse me” before passing in front of you or “sorry” when they made a mistake — how peaceful that would be.
In Nigeria, especially in the cities, people are in a rush all the time. You enter a bus and someone steps on your toe without saying a word. You go to a shop and the seller talks to you like you’re disturbing them. These small things affect people’s mood.
But in places where courtesy is still practiced, you’ll notice how calm and cooperative people are. So yes, courtesy should be observed — it is more important than people realize.
Name five instances where courtesy is demanded in your culture
| Instances Where Courtesy is Demanded in My Culture |
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In Nigerian culture, respect is deeply rooted, especially in how the younger ones interact with elders. Here are five areas where courtesy is very important:
Greeting elders – In many parts of Nigeria, especially Yoruba culture, greeting elders is taken seriously. Boys prostrate or kneel, and girls kneel down when greeting older people, even without opening your mouth, these gestures show you respect them.
Respectful speech – You are expected to use respectful terms when speaking to or about older people. Using their full name without a title is often considered rude. Unlike the western culture where it is seen as normal, this should not be so.
Allowing elders to speak first – In family or community meetings, younger people wait for elders to express their opinion first. If they are to talk, they ask for permission before they can contribute.
Helping with chores – Courtesy shows when you assist your parents or elders without being told to do do. Even neighbors can ask for help, and it's polite to do it respectfully.
Respect for visitors – When someone visits your home, even if they are strangers, you must offer them water or a seat. Ignoring them is seen as disrespectful.
State instances where courtesy was neglected. Maybe you witnessed it or someone told you
| When Courtesy Was Neglected |
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Back then in secondary school, we had a new student who joined our class. She was quiet and a bit shy, but instead of welcoming her, some classmates made fun of of the way she looked. No one offered to show her around or even talked nicely to her.
As the term when on, we came to know the reason she was transferred from her previous scholl was because she was bullied, thinking she would be free from that treatment she was still here as well. I then realised the kind of damage we caused when we don't show kindness and disrespect others. And everywhere since then I arrived my best to show a little act of kindness in every situation I find myself.
I also witnessed another incident where a man, cut the line, and entered in front of an elderly woman on a queue, not minding how long she had been standing there, and not even considering her old age. That moment showed me how common courtesy is slowly dying, and people think it’s okay to be selfish and impatient. Well I would not blame them as most of them are not taught these simple values growing up. And also considering the way the world is changing it seems that this virtue is slowly dying.
What is your stance when it comes to courtesy? Tell us
| My Stance on Courtesy |
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I try my best to be practice courtesy every day not to exaggerate, but because I’ve seen how powerful it is. A little act of kindness can change someone’s day. Saying “good morning” to your neighbor, thanking the bus driver, or even greeting the security man at your gate — these are small but very meaningful things.
Even online, I believe courtesy should be practiced. There’s no need to use insults to express your opinion. I’ve found that you can disagree respectfully and still keep your dignity.
Yes, sometimes people may take your politeness for weakness, or they may not appreciate it, but that doesn’t mean you should stop. I’ve learned that courtesy says more about you than the person you’re dealing with.
| Final Thoughts |
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Courtesy is a simple yet very important virtue that carries very deep meaning. It's not just about how we act in public,it also concerns our behaviour inside. The world may be modern now, and things are changing, but courtesy should not be overlooked as it builds a good society.
Being polite doesn’t cost anything, but it earns you respect, peace, and better relationships. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, showing kindness and respect to others will never go out of style.
So yes, courtesy is my friend — and I hope more people will see it that way too.
@promisezella @mr-peng @imohmitch what's your view on this.
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