Susan C. Young

What Does Poor Posture Look Like?_ Stiff & rigid_ Slumping _ Slouching_ Hunched over_ Rounded shoulders_ Overly arched back_ Stumbling_ Head forwardIn sensitivity, we must be aware that many people suffer from poor posture because of physical disability, injury, health issues, heredity, obesity, or musculoskeletal construction. These descriptions are not meant to offend or judge people who are unable to change their posture.

Stepping out and stepping up can be an intimidating experience, especially in social situations where the outcomes are unpredictable and uncertain. Have you ever been reluctant to . . . _ Say "no?"_ Request help?_ Ask for a raise?_ Stand up to a bully?_ Talk about tough topics?_ Confront a friend or spouse?_ Speak up and share your opinion?_ Begin a conversation with a stranger?_ Deliver a presentation or speak in public?_ Talk about the __hite elephant_ in the room?_ Befriend people who are much different than you?_ Make sales calls because you don__ want to be rejected?_ Approach a new group of people at a networking event?_ Go to an event by yourself where you did not know anyone?Each of these scenarios can strike fear in the hearts of many because each involves risk and potential discomfort. Life holds endless circumstances with a broad and diverse range of challenge or conflict that require you to be brave.

When it comes to meeting new people, playing well with others, and connecting on deeper levels, there are inherent gaps which can be closed only by being brave. When is bravery needed?

Benefits of Being Nice _ You set positive karma into motion._ What you give is what you get back in return._ You are more likable._ People will treat you better._ You will reduce personal stress._ You will make friends more easily._ You can improve someone else__ day._ You will have less drama in your life._ It takes less energy than being otherwise._ It makes you a more valuable team player._ You create a sense of emotional safety for others._ It can keep you physically and psychologically safe._ You set a positive example for others to play nicely._ You will build bridges of cooperation and collaboration._ You will improve personal and professional interactions_ Lastly, being nice feels nice!

For more than forty years, Judith Martin has inspired the world with advice on etiquette excellence, proper behavior, and codes of conduct through her critically acclaimed newspaper column, __iss Manners._ In an interview for her book, Miss Manners Minds Your Business, Mrs. Martin reminds us that __hen you go to work, you want a degree of professionalism which does not involve hearing about all of the sordid details of a person__ love life. We are not necessarily all friends, but have a job that needs to be done. A work friend is not always a social friend. One requires distance while the other embraces intimacy.

Gestures and the Signals They Send_ Rubbing your face, palms, and neck may signify anxiety and stress._ Arms crossed with clenched fists may signify hostility, anger, and impatience._ Arms crossed with each hand gripping other arm may signify insecurity and self-doubt._ Arms crossed with thumbs up may signify interest and engagement._ Or my favorite__rms crossed may signify that you are simply cold!_ Fidgeting and squirming may signify that you are lying, afraid of being found out, insecure, or uncomfortable._ Standing with your hands behind your back may signify power and superiority.

The Warm Welcome of Hospitality. Walt Disney World is the epitome of world-class customer service. Employees must be hyper-vigilant of spatial orientation to engage, impress, and interact with guests. For simply being near a guest, employees are trained to:_ Make eye contact and smile._ Greet and welcome each and every guest._ Seek out guest contact._ Provide immediate service recovery._ Always display appropriate body language._ Preserve the __agical_ guest experience._ Thank each guest and demonstrate that appreciation.

While you will certainly attract more bees with honey, there are times when being nice can backfire. Take it from a naturally kind person, being a __itch_ has its time and place. There will be times when you must engage with mean, rude, and inconsiderate people.

All hugs are not created equal. Some people are naturally gifted in showering others with warmth and affection. They can hug with such a sincere intention it transcends a handshake. Their hugs feel genuine, non-threatening, and are emotionally consistent with the relationship they share with the "hugee.

Physical touch is one of my primary love languages. For those of us who share this love language, touching is an endearing gesture of affection, appreciation, and connection. It is not intended to be inappropriate in any way when we hug you upon meeting, pat your back, or squeeze your arm. For us, it is an enthusiastic demonstration of friendship. However, there are many people who do NOT like to be touched__en or women. In spite of our good intentions, touching can make others feel awkward, offended, and in the worst-case scenario, violated. It is crucial to be vigilant and socially aware enough that you can read people__ cues to know when to pull back and contain yourself.

If being brave were easy, more people would be.

17 Ways to Just Be Nice__o act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted._ __esop1. Be sincere.2. Be altruistic.3. Practice patience.4. Inquire and engage.5. Keep your promises.6. Offer help to others.7. Acknowledge others.8. Control your behavior.9. Be situationally aware.10. Be polite and courteous.11. Use considerate manners.12. Greet people with a smile. 13. Practice random acts of kindness.14. Show respect for yourself and others.15. Be complimentary and look for positives.16. Walk in another__ shoes to understand their needs.17. Share of yourself without expecting anything in return.

It is unimpressive to speaking rudely to others. Often, all we need to do to ensure that we do not launch into a rude remark is to pause . . . breathe . . . and smile to ourselves before speaking.And when people are rude to you, just remember that they are revealing who they are, not who you are. Don__ take it personally. Sometimes being silent is your best response.

It is unimpressive to not hold a door open for the next person coming through. After a satisfying workout at my gym, I was walking behind a man who was exiting at the same time. He was only about two feet in front of me. As he walked through the door, he let it close behind him, almost hitting me in the face. Was he being intentionally rude? Was he preoccupied and focused on other things? No matter whether an offender is being a jerk intentionally, or is simply oblivious to how his behavior is affecting others, rude behavior instantly makes a negative impression. Be aware!

Nice is a little word with a big meaning. How many times did your mother say, "Just be nice?" It's basic manners, yet in our negative world today people often neglect to extend random acts of kindness and simple acts of courtesy.

In his book, How to Win Friends & Influence People, Dale Carnegie encourages you to greet people with "animation and enthusiasm." This form of kinesthetic responsiveness provides a splendid example of how impactful your gestures can be while responding to others. Whether it be running up to an old friend you have not seen in a while or standing up to greet a business associate when he approaches your table, being kinesthetically responsive is an impactful way to gesture your level of interest, engagement, and enthusiasm.

As our society has become more casual, the line between a person__ personal life and professional life has become blurred, especially with the advent of social media. Personal information, your manners (or lack thereof), opinions, and pictures of your private life are available for all the world to see. HR directors, recruiters, and potential employers will often ascertain a person__ manners and moral compass from their online presence.

To cultivate bravery and courage, avoid the bystander effect.Rather than standing on the sidelines watching other people achieve their goals, jump in with both feet and get involved.