[M.D. Holloway]

I'll give an example - on a plane last week, the attendent asked if I would like something to drink. I said, "yes please, may I have a diet pepsi please?" She looked at me and froze for a few seconds and said "did you say 'may I'? In my 14 years on the job, noone has ever said that! Your Mother did a good job!". She proceeded to tell the other attendent about me. It was sort awkward. Wouldn't you know it, the next 5 people asked the same way!

I was at a conference on Thursday. There was a reception at night and you could bring your dates/spouses/mistresses - unfortunitly none of mine could attend but I did have several converstaions with other guys and their wives. During the course of the evening, I used a few cuss words, nothing bad (*****, ********* and the like), before I said them I would look over to the lady(ies) and apoligize for what I was about to say then proceed with the story or rant with the word. I could have used another word I guess but sometimes there really is no substitute.

The guys came up to me after and thanked me for showing their ladies class. The felt good that I did this. Someone treated them like they were worthy of consideration.

Now mind you, these were mostly maintenance and production guys from rendering plants - you don't get any nastier! But, treating them like their women are your grandmothers best friends goes far - just makes them feel good.