How Polite Are We?

Are good manners dead? We checked in 35 cities around the globe -- and got some surprising answers.

Are We Socially Inept?

It's lunchtime in Mexico City and a young man follows a slim girl wearing dark glasses into a restaurant. Without looking behind her, she lets the heavy glass door swing closed, almost smashing him in the face.

In a stationery shop in Seoul, South Korea, meanwhile, a female customer wants to buy a disposable pen. It's a minor purchase, but 56-year-old store owner Jang Byung-eun takes the time to talk her through a variety of different models. When she makes her purchase, he says a friendly "Thank you."

Rain and wind are lashing the Nollendorfplatz, central Berlin, as estate agent Nicole Hatzijordanou, 34, struggles through the morning rush-hour crowds, her broken right arm in plaster after she slipped on ice. Ahead of her, a young woman drops a yellow folder, scattering papers everywhere. Dozens of commuters walk on by, but Nicole rushes over and picks up the sodden documents, gently shaking the water off each one. When thanked, she jokes, "Well, I still have one good arm!"

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• Uncommon Courtesy
• We keep hearing about the death of civility -- but it's alive and well in a place you'd least expect.
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• Quiz: How Polite Are You?
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• Cultivate Better Bonds With Neighbors and Friends
• 11 ways to maintain a healthy circle around you.
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• How to Raise Polite Kids in a Rude World
• How to raise polite children in today's society.
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• Whatever Happened to Customer Service?
• Customers, sales personnel and industry experts examine the prevalence of customer-service deficiencies and the reasons behind them.
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• De-Stress Your Commute
• 21 tips for a happier journey.
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• Defuse Stress for a More Enjoyable Day
• 37 ways to calm down fast.
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