IN THE middle of the meal, she sung along to a song that played on radio. You could tell it was one of 10 year old Belinda’s favourites. Who sings while eating? Especially in company of others! Nowhere have I gone and found such behaviour acceptable.  Usually, people don’t care where you come from but they expect you to behave well. Do not let people question your upbringing! Good manners are best learnt when young. Below are some traits that you should always carry around. Do not sing/talk while eatingIt’s disgusting to see food in the mouth. If you want to talk while having a meal, first swallow the food and then say whatever you have to say with an empty mouth. Do not eat while walking This goes for gum too! Most people find it disrespectful to chew in their midst. Greet peopleYou may be wondering, "Why should I greet people if there is nothing I want from them!”  Greeting people is respectful. You never know when you might need this person. Respect older peopleWithout question, this is just naturally learnt. Older people deserve your respect. When they talk don’t answer back as if they are your peers. Don’t insult them. Watch your sitting posture Your sitting posture says a lot about the level of respect you have for the people around you. It doesn’t matter what sex you are. You must sit properly. Always sit upright. Learn to say the magic words: please, thank you and sorryYou have no idea where these three magical words can take you. When you are asking for something, say please.  When you get what you want say, thank you. When you offend a person say sorry.  You don’t lose anything by saying these words. Have courtesyBe polite and always excuse yourself. Before you interrupt a conversation or need to pass somewhere and someone is blocking it, say excuse me. Always knockEven on bathroom doors. Knock once and wait for an invitation. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or coughApart from spreading airborne diseases, it’s not good to spread your ‘DNA’ to people around you. So, use a hankie.