But in the mayhem of modern life, the mindfulness of common courtesy or general consideration is easily forgotten.

There was a time when the teaching of good manners and courteous behaviour was a priority in educating young people to become mature adults in society.

School curriculum have changed; so too has the make-up of the modern family, with both parents at work, or perhaps raising children independently.

But it is as important as ever to instill these qualities in our young, and it is equally important for the adults in society to lead by example.

How often do you let in a vehicle that has indicated to merge into your line of traffic, or are you the motorist with the “not my problem” attitude?

When was the last time you saw someone on a busy train or bus give their seat to a person who was elderly, infirm, or pregnant?

Have you helped a person with a stroller or a walking aid navigate an uneven kerbside or footpath?

When was the last time you saw a parent struggling with a toddler and a trolley full of groceries, but just stood back and watched instead of offering assistance?

If we don’t stop to offer these small favours, we’ll start becoming a self-absorbed community, focussed only on how we can get what we want and where we want to go, with no consideration given to others.

The practice of giving a thank you card or complimenting someone on a job well done is sadly being replaced with people searching for faults in the efforts of others and offering unnecessary criticism.

But tearing someone else down is not building yourself up.

This negative behaviour doesn’t make anyone feel good, not even those who are simply on a power trip.

No doubt we have all been on the receiving end of both good and bad manners at some stage. But have we also been the senders?

Remember, a kindness extended to others can be just as rewarding to the giver as it is to the receiver.

Try to remember how good you felt when someone offered you encouragement and kindness, and do the same for someone else.

A smile, an offer of assistance, giving up your seat on public transport, a show of patience: that’s all it takes. Let’s bring old-fashioned back into fashion.