I totally agree with “Where is Respect” (Oct. 8) about the lack of respect in this country. For some reason during the past 20 to 30 years, many individuals have somehow been conditioned in our current society to overlook manners and various positive characteristics that are important and should persevere. All of these negative stereotypical personalities have plagued our country and left a negative standing on our society’s conduct.

I too have opened various doors out of simple manners to help others get into a room, building, etc. Yet, it personally offends and hurts me on a emotional level when I do not receive a simple “thank you” or a quick smile and nod from the individual whom I attempted to help.

A couple of weeks ago I was about to enter the Student Union when I noticed that there was a young woman right behind me and out of respect I opened the door and allowed her to enter first. The young woman looked at me as if I was insane and rolled her eyes as if I stuck my tongue out or whistled at her.

Even when I open a door I look back to see if there is someone behind me, so that I can make sure that I do not allow the door to close on their face, but sometimes, even then, I receive a dirty look as if I was doing something completely rude.

When it comes to cell phones, it has caused the communication between individuals in this country to decline dramatically. Why do we have to text? Text messaging is vague and has no emotion; smiley faces don’t count if you ask me. I also find it inconsiderate when I am trying to have dinner with someone and in the middle of a conversation they have to text someone as if they cannot wait for a later time to talk to that person. Even yesterday, I went to Starbucks to get a cup of coffee. The cafe was empty and it took about five minutes to get it, because the girl who was working at the time was talking to some “cute guy that I just met,” and forgot about me standing there wanting the cup of coffee that I just purchased.

Last year I got into a bad car accident and I spent a lot of time in and out of the University of Cincinnati hospital for check ups and other things. One afternoon while I was in the waiting room, there was a young man sitting there making fun of other patients. The nurses didn’t do anything, in fact one of them giggled a little.

What has happened to our society?

We as Americans attempt to put ourselves on a pedestal as if we are more intelligent, understanding, caring, loving and fair individuals compared to other countries across the world. Yet, we have somehow gotten lost on the positive course that we have been attempting to remain on, taking a shortcut that is a path of high negativity. With that negative path we have not moved forward for the improvement of our own individuality, but have gone backwards and have become less human. We should all just take a moment and reflect on our own actions. A simple thank you, please or even a friendly smile from one stranger to another can make a major difference in someone’s day. Having respect for the self as well as other people who are around you can literally make a difference, whether you know it or not.

A simple smile can go on for a lifetime.