Why politeness and courtesy still matter in making real friends on Facebook

In the introduction to the concurrent tips about not only adding friends on Facebook, but also keeping them, we summarized why friendship is more than just clicking (no pun). It is a phenomenon that needs constant watering. There is a lot going on in each dynamic. Here is the first of the tips. 

Tip #1 

Be Polite: Courtesy out from among Cavemen 

In a world of eye-tripping SMS texts, foul-mouthed trolls, acerbic Bitch Please-es, Jihadist chat-bombers, and such general caveman-nery, the magnificent institution of politeness and manners still go a long way. In a world of cavemen, polite people stand out.

If you want to make friends, you need a dress that is both presentable and fits the occasion. More importantly, you need a dress that offers an idea to others about who you are. You need social skills to help situation take past the introduction.    

Of course, every person has an upbringing behind him to blame if his character came into question somewhere. But in community settings, lacking in manners is no excuse to bombing somebody’s sensibilities. Besides, manners don’t take much. All they need is a sense of respect for people and community norms.  

Be polite, courteous, and affable (just take care not to overdo it or you’ll come across as a lost soul from the great Tea Club of London).

‘I hope you have been doing well?’
‘How are you?’
‘Thank you’
‘Please’
‘May I, please?
‘If it is alright with you …’
‘Thank you for your opinion but I may have to disagree with…’

‘Thank you, you’re kind’

Manners need no effort–it is simply willingness not to pick your nose in front of people even though you can and no power in the world would stop you from doing it. It is simply the willingness to respect the sentiments of the other person.

Example

You enjoy picking your nose. 

Great.

And not even the US government can stop you from picking your nose.
Sure.

But you will not do it.

Why?

Simply put, because it is offensive to the other person. You chose not to offend. Translation: People will respect you if you are respectable and show respect.  

That’s manners. That respect.  

Be polite when you converse with your new virtual friends; disagree respectfully; don’t ask personal questions during the initial stages of friendship, keep your comments on their images / posts / notes / links respectful. It is that simple.  

Trust me, Facebook users (not in your friends’ list yet) just might feel you’re a cool guy and send you a friend request (and many will, at least the way I observe).

Read Next: 

Tip# 2  if you want to make friends, being 'you' does not mean you go all weird. How to notScare off new Friends on Facebook with the ‘You’