With the end of the year just around the corner and last minute assignments piling up, our nerves seemed to be getting the best of us lately. Sassy remarks and unconstructive criticism seems to be the only language our peers want to be talking nowadays so I think it’s time for a refresher on manners.

This piece isn’t necessarily what I think the guidelines should be for civilized manner, but more of a reminder of what, in my opinion, is and is not socially acceptable. Now you may read a few of these and completely disagree, which is fine, however these are the morals I was raised on and so this is what I believe.

• Treat others how you want to be treated. This is pretty self-explanatory. However some people seem to be unable to grasp this concept so I will provide an example. If you completely ignore a person because you don’t feel like dealing with them that day then try putting yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if someone avoided you for no better reason than they didn’t feel like talking to you?

• Be considerate. We all have our crazy schedules. Juggling academics, jobs, and extracurriculars is absolutely exhausting so scheduling things last minute or expecting an individual to drop everything to do what you want is not understandable.

• Please and thank you go a long way. There is nothing wrong with being appreciative of what someone has done for you. Especially since the end of the year seems to only bring a variety of responsibilities for students so if somebody is nice enough to put time in their schedule for you, please acknowledge it.

• Ask. This applies to numerous activities. Ask someone before you use their phone. Ask someone for a ride instead of assuming they are free. Ask someone before you borrow their pen/pencil for a class period. What’s the worst they are going to say?

• Be careful what you say. Surprise! People have feelings. Talking behind people’s back or criticizing their appearances is firstly, unkind and secondly, just plain rude. This kind of ties back to my first rule treat others how you want to be treated.

These are just a few of guidelines I try to set for myself in trying to be considerate. However I’m not perfect. I know sometimes we crack and chew the head off of some poor bystander who just happened to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. I guess all we can do is take a deep breath and try to be better next time.