Mind Your Ps and Qs

There is some debate over the origins of the saying "Mind your Ps and Qs". But the one I am going with here is that Ps and Qs in question are short for pleases and thank-yous. They sound sort of similar, although you need to drop the first syllables of thank-you to hear the Q.

This saying came to mind because I tend to be a bit task-focused in certain situations. For example, I write the email first and then add the hello and personal questions before I send it.

I was ordering coffee recently. I stepped up to the counter and gave my order: "A large, strong latte." It was then that I realised I hadn't noticed the person or been polite. So, I looked up, smiled, and said, "Please. Where are my manners?"

Now, this happens a bit, sorry to say, and invariably, the person behind the counter dismisses this oversight.

On days when I am not overwhelmed by task-related thoughts, I usually have the good manners to say please and thank you. But I also like to smile and ask anyone who is "serving me" or "taking my order" if they are having a good day. More often than not, it surprises people, and they smile and reply, and we have a short chat. It's a small way to recognise people and show them they are valued.

Then I got to thinking about how we are increasingly trained in self-service. So now, I also whimsically congratulate myself on my good service when leaving the bagging area or the petrol station. Try it. It certainly makes me laugh.