Brits are forgetting to mind their Ps and Qs, a study has found.
Busy lives and hectic work schedules are being blamed for the fact that one in three of the nation no longer remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as often as they should.
Researchers also found seven out of ten of those who took part in the study admitted they were less polite now than they were ten years ago.
And six out of ten even went as far as to reveal they struggle to find the time to initiate a conversation or say ‘hello’.
It also emerged men are more likely than women to forget their manners amid our time-poor lives.
The research was commissioned by Mentos to celebrate World Hello Day on 21st November and the launch of their new Mentos ‘Say Hello’ mint and fruit rolls.
A spokesperson for Mentos said: “When we’re busy, or engrossed in our phones, we can often let our good manners slip – but we should all make the effort to be polite and say hello.
“Many friendships have been forged after striking up spontaneous conversations – it’s worth making the effort to say hi, you might be surprised at the outcome.”
Overall the report revealed 31 per cent of us forget to say thank you while another 34 per cent regularly forget to say please.
Around half said they frequently walk away or end a phone call without saying goodbye.
But according to the study our lack of manners are hurting the feelings of 85 per cent of the nation.
A kind gesture often goes unnoticed, with 19 per cent of the nation forgetting to thank strangers for holding a door open.
And seven in ten will respond with a sarcastic “You’re welcome” for this lack of gratitude.
Signs of good manners include listening well, offering guests a first choice and elbows off the table.
Over half the nation agree good manners include offering a tea round when making one for yourself and not reaching over others at the dinner table.
Despite being a nation of bad-mannered Brits, we still receive a number passing pleasantries from others.
Supermarket cashiers greet Brits with the most “hellos”, followed by coffee shop staff and receptionists.
We may not always be the ones to initiate the hello, but 69 per cent say they will respond to polite small talk.
And people typically exchange 59 good-natured remarks every day, which includes ten pleases, 11 thank yous and ten hellos.
Sometimes all it takes is a simple “hello”, with 22 per cent of Brits saying they have made a good friend from speaking to someone in a queue or coffee shop.
Just over one in ten are seeking advice on ways to speak to and meet new people.
Where over half will ask family and friends for advice and just over one third will join clubs or hobbies.
And 11 per cent will use apps and websites that connect people in search of new friendships.
A spokesperson for Mentos added: “At Mentos, we actively encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and make connections with new people, so we launched this research to tie in to World Hello Day (21st November).
“Offering a Mentos sweet can certainly help to break the ice – and our new ‘Say hello’ mint and fruit Mentos offer fun challenges for different ways to say hello or simply connect and have fun with others – from a simple smile to a dance off, there’s 34 different ideas!"
Top 20 signs of good manners:
1. Opening doors for people
2. Listening well
3. Showing patience
4. Always saying hello
5. Giving up your seat on public transport for someone more needy
6. Not interrupting someone who is talking
7. Always saying goodbye
8. Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
9. Knocking before entering
10. Helping someone with their luggage
11. Chewing with your mouth closed
12. Thanking someone for their hospitality
13. Putting your phone away in company
14. Saying 'excuse me' to get someone's attention
15. Offering someone a drink when they arrive to visit you
16. Saying 'pardon' when you don't hear someone properly
17. Saying goodbye before hanging up the phone
18. Asking permission
19. Offering to make others a cup of tea when you're making yourself one
20. Helping a parent with a pushchair up and down stairs
