**This post was originally published in the December 2024 issue of Hill Country Neighbors magazine. I am excited to share it here for those who may have missed it!
Manners and etiquette are often dismissed as outdated relics of the past, yet here in the Texas Hill Country, they remain as treasured as a well-worn saddle. Far from being mere formalities, they serve as vital guidelines for courtesy and social awareness and help build a strong sense of community.
I know what you’re thinking. The mere mention of "manners and etiquette" typically conjures images of stuffy aristocrats, prompting both eye rolls and yawns. It's often seen as pretentious and important only to those who value appearing “well-bred.” You know the type, all hat and no cattle. However, as the founder of Reach for the Stars ATX, a children's program dedicated to character education, leadership development, and modern manners, I am on a mission to show that these values are far from obsolete. In fact, they are more relevant and necessary than one might think.
Take the simple driver's wave, for example. Any good Texan will tell you that this flick of the wrist is more than an empty gesture. It symbolizes acknowledgment, gratitude, and neighborliness, and has the ability to diffuse even the tensest of traffic situations. Here in the Hill Country, our manners and etiquette are humble and unassuming, centered around graciousness, consideration, and hospitality. Forget about your fancy bows and curtsies—save those for your Bridgerton binges. Our manners focus on vital social skills for building positive relationships and a strong sense of community – the very fabric of what makes Texas home.
Emily Post, the grand-dame of manners and etiquette, expressed this idea perfectly: “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” So, next time you’re cruising through the Texas Hill Country, don’t forget to raise your hand in that classic driver’s wave. It’s a small act that keeps our community strong and reminds us that good manners and etiquette never go out of style.
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