Be Polite Damn It....

I called a friend the other day to congratulate here on the purchase of their new home...They bought a house, who is buying a house these days????? I think it's great, I am so happy for them...
The conversation went something like this....
As soon as she answered I was excited for them so I let it flow....
"Yeah, have you moved in yet?"
"No, we have problems with bugs..."
"Bugs?" I question
"Yeah bugs."
"That sucks....But are you excited?"
"Well we have a lot of work to do, and we can do it once we get these bugs under control."
I fizzle... "Well, I am sure you will but I just wanted to congratulate you on buying a new home."
"There is just so much to do and these bugs really put a damper on our plans."

HOLD ON A MINUTE... Did I just compliment you on something great?

If someone pays you a compliment... then respond in a nice way...even if your day sucks...bugs, jelly fish, ferocious lions....respond in a polite manner...a simple THANK YOU is sufficient...right?
Even when your world crumbles in front of you and someone stops by your desk, catches you in the hall, calls on the phone and pays you a compliment, take a deep breath and say THANK YOU. They are taking time out of THIER day for YOU. I was jolted. I think it's impolite, and unfriendly to snub...Yet the world thinks it's okay... What in your life is so BAD that you cannot respond to someone paying a compliment or a greeting...It's amazing how many people
will be courteous back and how many don't. I work at the Ritz-Carlton and as it is part of our job to greet people with pleasure. My parents also instilled in me to be polite to others.. Hell in the third grade Mrs. Scholtiz taught us The Golden Rule... Do Unto Other As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.

By not responding to a compliment you are now setting the ground rules of how you want to be treated and how you treat others and passing it on...Damn It.