for example, the waitress brings us mashed potatoes when we have ordered French fries, let’s say: “I’m sorry to trouble you, but I prefer French fries.” She’ll probably reply, “No trouble at all” and will be glad to change the potatoes, because we have shown respect for her. Little phrases such as “I’m sorry to trouble you,” “Would you be so kind as to——?” “Won’t you please?” “Would you mind?” “Thank you” – little courtesies like these oil the cogs of the monotonous grind of everyday life – and, incidentally, they are the hallmark of good breeding.
