Try speaking the following three phrases:

May I?
Thank you.
Pardon me.

Say each one again…slowly. These phrases are dying out in this culture of text messages, abbreviated words and clipped communication. But losing the graciousness of phrases like these – well, we’ll be worse for it.

May I?

What a beautiful question to ask. Yes, we typically have the right to do most things we want to do. But how nice to place these words before an action you’re about to take – it shows such respect for the person to whom you’re speaking…

Thank you.

Begin today to energize your attitude of gratitude. Look for ways to say thank you at least ten times a day. Expressing thanks will bless others and increase your own joy as you recognize all that you’ve been given.

Pardon me.

How seldom we apologize for our own bumblings, slights and lapses in manners. Surely we can find opportunities may times a day to offer this simplest expression of apology. It keeps us humble and humility is one of the greatest of virtues.

May I? Thank you. Pardon me. Begin to bring them back into our culture and watch the joy increase in your life and the lives of those around you.