THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD MANNERS
I think this is really true:
"Perhaps the easiest thing we can do to improve the quality of our interactions with one another in 2011 is resolve to be more polite. Many small acts -- from not taking the last cup of coffee without starting a fresh pot to putting the toilet seat down -- can add up to a level of increased civility in our lives that, when recognized and mirrored by others, exponentially improves the quality of our days.
The underlying principle is quite simple, according to Diane Gottsman, nationally recognized etiquette professional and owner of The Protocol School of Texas: Being polite involves recognizing and acknowledging the needs of others. Sue Jacques, a Canadian etiquette consultant and blogger known as The Civility CEO, agrees. Both agree that being polite is about respect -- for ourselves and others. Jacques says, "It is a choice to exhibit our best selves in all circumstances." "The key," says Gottsman, "is to put others at ease while presenting oneself in a perfectly polished manner."

So what are some ways to accomplish this?  The article goes on to say:


"We should listen 60 percent of the time and speak 40 percent," Gottsman says. To be a better listener: Make eye contact and pause to think before you respond. As Jacques says, "Communication is more than hitting the SEND button." Focus on the other person, nod your head, lean forward. Avoid looking at your watch, phone or the TV over the person's shoulder. "There is nothing wrong with making people think they're wonderful; listening sincerely to what others have to say is the single best way to do that," Gottsman says. Farley reminds us that conversation is not performance art. "We all have friends who love the spotlight so much that every conversation ultimately winds up being about them. You could be chatting about your trip down the Amazon and she'd interrupt with: 'Speaking of Amazon, I just ordered this new book yesterday ...' If that sounds like you, remember this: No matter how entertaining you think you are, if your stories run over five minutes, chances are your friends are not that entertained.... They're just being polite. Take a breath and don't hog the floor."

I think we with Moebius Syndrome and facial differences are good at this.  We're good listeners.  Maybe partly this is because some of us still tend to be shy, and listening is a way not to draw too much attention to ourselves (I sometimes see this in myself).  But I think this also comes from the fact that we are good observers of people and of society; and that we know what it's like to be ignored...and we don't want to act that way to others.

"The hardest thing about being an outcast isn't the love you don't receive.  It's the love you long to give that nobody wants.  After a while, it backs up into your system like stagnant water and turns toxic, poisoning your spirit.  When this happens, you don't have many choices available.  You can become a bitter loner who goes through life being pissed off at the world; you can fester with rage until one day you murder your classmates.  Or, you can find another outlet for your love, where it will be appreciated and maybe even returned."--Jodee Blanco, PLEASE STOP LAUGHING AT ME (Ms Blanco's school experiences led her to volunteer to work with special ed kids at that school).