Say Please, Say Thank You: The Respect We Owe One Another

by Donald McCullough

"This rousing, witty guide could help make the world a nicer, more civilized, more humane place."-- Publishers Weekly In a world where rudeness is the norm and acts of kindness often make people more suspicious than grateful, who hasn't yearned for a return to good old-fashioned courtesy? In this gentle, inspiring book, Donald McCullough reminds us of the power that we have to make the world a better place--simply by being polite. He helps us spot opportunities to treat others with respect--not because they have "earned it," but because they deserve it as fellow human beings. From saying please and thank you, to keeping a secret, to picking up the check at dinner, it's the little decisions in life that make the big difference--helping us to grow more gracious, and to give, and receive, life's simple but essential gifts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Sociology

286 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 1998

Reviews

[Ann Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The media bombard us with stories of violence, and civility, and just plain rudeness. The author writes.”The neglect of courtesy leads to the collapse of community.” There are many opportunities in our lives to” treat others with decency and consideration – not only because they have earned it, but because they deserve it as fellow human beings.” It goes beyond saying.”please” and “thank you” to keeping a secret, treating elders with respect, and being able to both give and receive. Encouraging. 277 pages.

[Shari McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 1998 when it first came out. It was a good reminder then of the gifts of civility and a much needed reminder in the context of 2017. McCullough, otherwise known as my husband,
chides (in a gentle and often humorous way) the reader on a wide spectrum of opportunities to err on the side of congeniality, respect, and generosity. The original version is certainly timely. However, much has changed in society with the influx of social media and the uneasy political/social climate in the country. I would love to see an updated edition come out addressing some of the current needs for civility.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

i get a little annoyed at all the preacher references. i honestly didn't know it was a book written by a minister until i got into it. which isn't a bad thing, i just don't want it to get too preachy and it hasn't yet. its more about treating people with kindness and respect b/c we are all party of humanity and the derivations of words like courtesy along with some funny anecdotes.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty witty piece of literature. Most of it was merely review; however, some of it consists of stuff that you never think about doing because we are so self-centred at times. I think this is a great book to read if you're looking for something to help reiterate respect towards others or are looking to improve social skills.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will find a home on my bookcase. I very much enjoy it. Instead of the stiff rules and snobbery of other manners book, this one is more common sense, more God focus, with nice doses of humor throughout. So thank you, Donald McCullough for your novel has given me much food for thought and perhaps even be a better human for at least a few weeks.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, contemplative advise about the courtesies and kindnesses we should show one another (though the author was occasionally more course in his humor and references than I prefer.) The last two chapters were personally relatable and compelling.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reminder of how much courtesy is needed, that it's something that should be a part of our very being. Very refreshing, nice to hear as courtesy is going down the tubes everywhere in society.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good comments and advice in short chapters.

[Matt D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very introspective. I enjoyed the way it was written. The content was good, not great.

"Our lives are built one small brick @ a time, ordinary day by ordinary day."
"The right truth to the right person @ the right time in the right way for the right reason"
"If we push and shove our way through life, we may very well spring past the very happiness we seek"

-Continous movement vs. the right movement
-Churchill's story about a boy saving his life, his dad paying for the boy's education, that boy (Fleming), discovered penicillin and later saved Churchill's life.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a friend. As I started reading it I just could not put it down. This book helps to inspire you to be a better person through courtesy and respect. To quote the book, "...reminds us of the pwer that we have to mamke the world a btter place and helps us spot precious opportunities to treat others with respect--not because they have earned it but because they deserve it as fellow human beings."

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of short chapters, each chapter covering a different specific way in which we can show respect for others. So, as the title suggests, there's a chapter on saying please, one on gratitude, one on keeping confidences, forgiving, and so on. It's written by a pastor, but is more "Dr. Phil" in flavor than overtly religious. McCullough uses many amusing anecdotes to get his point across, making this a read that is as entertaining as it is edifying.

[Gena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

McCullough is a fabulous writer! He tells it like it is with plenty of humor to make us swallow it more easily. His subject of courtesy is well covered and presented in just the right way to make us open our eyes to our selfish, unfeeling tendencies as humans. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in bettering themselves. It certainly made me take stock of my own imperfect dealings with my fellowman!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister recommended this book to me. It's written by a Presbyterian professor and pastor. Not your typical "what not to do" manners guide. It's a commentary on the common respectand courtesy we often forget to give each other. Very funny, it's nothing we haven't learned from our Mothers and Grandmothers but I always need a little correction.

[Shellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful humerus book reminding us all to have and use and learn better manners.

[Adana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!