Etiquette and Manner

Man is a social animal. So following social code of behavior is important for living in the society. These
are called social behavior. We have two terms to describe our social behavior - etiquette and manners.
Etiquette is a French word. It is a set of rules dealing with exterior form. Manners are an expression of
inner character. Rules of etiquette are the guiding codes that enable us to practice manners. Manner is
considered to be polite in a particular society or culture. Manners can be good or bad. For example, it is
a bad manner to speak with food in one's mouth. No one likes a bad-mannered person. Etiquette and
manners vary from culture to culture and from society to society. The best place to learn manners and
etiquette is the home where the child spends most of its time. Besides home, we also learn etiquette
and manners from various institutions, such as schools, colleges or professional bodies. Again, there are
rules of behavior for all kinds of social occasions and it is important to learn them and practice them in
everyday life. The manners that are correct in a wedding reception will not do in a debating club.
Therefore, we have to be careful about etiquette and manners. A few polite expressions such as 'pardon
me', 'excuse me', 'may I' can make our day smooth and pleasant. Although they do not cost anything,
they bring us valuable gains. They enhance the pleasure of life. One can win over even the enemy if he
presents good manners. Good manners and etiquette are the key to success.

Adolescence
Adolescence refers to the phase in human growth and development occuring after childhood and before
adulthood. It represents one of the critical transitions in one's life span. It is characterized by fast paced
growth and change. There are some noticeable changes and development in biological process. For
example, gaining puberty and experiencing an alteration in tone are the most common phenomena. The
time of adolescence is a period of preparation for adulthood. As such occur some acute psychological
changes in adolescence. Flourishing of personality is introduced in this stage. The adolescents get
emotional and find his/her personal identity. It is also a time of considerable risks. Many adolescents
feel curious to use alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs. Some of them get involved in sexual relationships
that put themselves at high risk for injuries, pregnancies, STD and AIDS. Some of them may esperience
mental health problems too. Adolescents are not fully capable of understanding complex concepts and
facing difficult situations. Such inability makes them particulariy vunerable to sexual esploitation and
high risk behaviours. Families, communities, schools, health services and their workplaces should help
them learn a wide range of skills. These skills can help them cope services and their with the pressures
they face. Thereby a successful transition from childhood to aduithood may be possible. Parents and
members of the community must be very carefiul of them.