How to Be Polite to Everyone

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025 Approved

Being polite doesn't cost you a penny. It's just common sense, manners and making others feel appreciated. If you're lacking in manners, or struggling to be polite at all times, this guide is for you.

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Everyone likes a person that is always being kind to strangers and helpful to those in need.^{[2]
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No one wants to feel like they are being judged, a bother, or intolerable. If you have an air of tolerance, people will think of you to be a kind, nice, and polite person.^{[3]
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Home and fix. in work, school and somewhere^{[4]
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Maintain good posture at all times.
If you are given an object, a letter, gifts or compliments always say thank you. This shows you appreciate that someone has taken the time to give you a gift, or notice you. If you are asking for something, always say please. Stay calm when you speak and never shout. If you burp in a public place, always say "Pardon me."
Whether it's a senior citizen struggling with heavy shopping bags, or your mother who is looking tired mopping the floor, offer to help. If someone kindly turns your gesture down, smile politely and walk away.
If you want to talk on your phone, only do so when you're in your bedroom,home or in place where you are alone. Never talk on your phone while you're driving. Not only is this bad manners and very dangerous, it's also illegal in many places and a bad idea. Instead, purchase a headset, so you can easily and safely chat while driving. If you're eating, keep your phone out of reach.^{[5]
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If someone is older than you, or of a different religion, be just as polite as you would be to someone who was your age or your religion.
If a friend is in need, offer them some gum and ask if they want to talk about it with them. This not only makes you look kind, but it is a very sympathetic act.
Open the doors for strangers. Give the last brownie to that person next to you. Compliment people about their clothing, new haircut, rose garden, or delicious homemade cookies. Not because you want them to like you, but because you actually like whatever it is your complimenting them on.

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What if I don't like someone because they always have to have things their way?

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Then just ignore them. If they think that the world revolves around them, then let them be trapped in their own bubble. If you have to be around that person, it's okay to (politely) stand up for yourself. Simply say, "That's fine for you, but I'm not doing it that way."

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Why do we say hi to everyone?

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It's just a way of showing that you are friendly, polite, and not arrogant.

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I want to be helpful to others, but I always feel shy. What should I do?

Molly4reals

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Start by doing simple things like opening a door for a teacher and helping a friend. Then your confidence will build up and you can start doing bigger things.

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Tips

Stay calm when you speak.

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Help out your parents.

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Compliment people with a smile but make sure it is a genuine compliment otherwise they will think you are poking fun at them.

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Warnings

Keep in mind there is such a thing as being too polite. You should be kind, but don't be uptight with all the "polite" rules. As with everything else, there is a happy medium between the two extremes.

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Never shout.

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