What makes a U.S. traveler the “Ugly American?”
Our castle is located just outside Thurles, a small farm town. In driving to Thurles, one sees beautiful farm fields fenced in by stone walls and hedges. These different shades of green, all squared off with sheep, cows and horses, gives me such a relaxed sense of calm. Lots of tourist are in the large cities (Shannon, Dublin, etc.) but we see mostly locals in these small towns.
Today we visited a totally refurbished fabulous castle, owed by the Butlers. As we started our unguided tour, 2 American couples were in front of us. There were signs posted everywhere that said "no pictures allowed in the castle." One of the men in this group began taking pictures in each room. People who live in Ireland are so kind and very polite, at least those that I met, but suddenly the castle docent wasn't so gentle in her verbage, but still very polite. "Sir, you have taken 3 pictures so far in the castle. One more and you will be escorted out of the property." The man mumbled some kind of feeble excuse and put his camera away.
We dropped back to look at another room and I heard the docent say, "You always have to watch those Americans. They love to see how far they can bend the rules."
I felt a tinge of sadness. Every American who travels is an ambassador of our country. Our image as "The Ugly American" is universal and that is because of incidenses just like this one.
Psst! I Have a Secret Weapon…
Recently a friend asked me why I always seemed so happy? She stated that there are many bad things that happen in the news each day. I agreed! There are tragedies that are always occurring in our personal lives, our communities and our world.
But, I have a “secret weapon”. One that my mother taught me years ago. Mom said if I would do something special each day for someone else, then my life would be joyous and I would have a boatload of friends!
This advice was given when I was in High School. High School is such a difficult time and peer pressure, how one looks, the clothes you wear, the group you are associated with, are all MAJOR big deals. I saw myself as too tall, very skinny (imagine), pimples, hair that had a mind of its own and generally just no confidence!
I decided to activate my “secret weapon” and before long, things began to happen. It was so easy and took very little effort. Even though school was a long time ago, I have shared my “secret weapon” with over 10,000 boys and girls who have gone through our etiquette training. Do one thing special for someone each day and your life will change.
Today, that one thing a day can be a telephone call to someone you haven’t talked to in a while; a birthday card, herbs or flowers from your garden, food that you cooked and have enough to share, a note congratulating someone on a special accomplishment, a book that you enjoyed and chose to pass on, dinner or an activity with a friend, sending an article that appeared in a newspaper or electronically that is of interest to one of your friends, taking an elder person to an appointment or to lunch, etc., etc., etc.
All of us are so involved with our lives that many times we simply forget to think past ourselves.
Yes, it is true! My “secret weapon” continues to make me smile. Try it yourself and ….
that will Make Momma Happy!
The American School of Protocol
...where training is our passion
Posted via email from The American School of Protocol's Posts
Saying Thank You isn’t hard to do!
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I wonder why people don’t write thank you notes. I continue to be amazed by the number of people who happily receive gifts from others and yet never take time to sit down and compose a simple 4-sentence note. Recently, when The Washington Post interviewed me, I laid out a simple formula for writing notes. Even the 3 year olds that we teach in etiquette class get it. The 1st, 2nd and 4th sentences are about the gift. The 3rd sentence is unrelated. A note might look something like this: Dear Janice, Thank you for my lovely Christmas sweater. How did you know that royal blue was my favorite color? I always look forward to our monthly lunches. Each time I wear my beautiful present, I will think of you. Warm regards, Jane.
It takes less than 4 minutes to compose and it brings so much pleasure to the person who gave you a gift.
...and that Makes Momma Happy!
The American School of Protocol
...where training is our passion
Posted via email from The American School of Protocol's Posts