Lately I've been hearing horror stories about the general view of what constitutes good manners in society. I'll admit that I had pretty strict parents, manners were compulsory. I just can't understand why simple good manners seem to be going out the window - are we too lazy, too self-centred, not brought up right [dodges stones being thrown]? I just don't get it.

How much effort does it really take to smile, say please and thank you or excuse me? Are you really that busy that you can't send a simple RSVP - and I'm talking serious events here involving catering like weddings and engagement parties? Is it really so hard to write a simple 'thank you' note when someone's gone to the trouble of finding you a gift? Heck even a phone call would be nice.

I realise that our society is speeding up and everyone of us struggles each day to get everything done but we're talking simple five minute exercises here, some even less. Do we as a society really have that little time?

Personally I think we're all starting to just plain get lazy and the internet offers so many opportunities for laziness. Offering a blanket 'thanks' on your Facebook website is not very personal and, in my opinion, not really very well mannered.

Rant over - I guess I just needed to vent.