Dearly esteemed reader,
I hope this letter finds you well.
One November afternoon as I observed the world through my shop window, I thought of a time where the view of people’s interactions would look much different. I couldn’t help but wonder whatever happened to charm, and felt a gush of nostalgia. A nostalgia I haven’t even lived myself, and there’s a word for it, it’s anemoia. Antiquate as it may seem, there’s something about being dressed for the occasion and season, greeting people in a pleasing manner, making the home cosy and welcoming, being respectful of the elders, neighbourly generosity, and so on, that puts me at ease and makes me stand a little taller. I speak from my heart when I say that I would love to see a change in society in that direction. But change in society does start with oneself. I very much believe that we benefit from it, but ironically, charm is about the other as much as it is about ourselves. You see, the world is awash with so much selfishness and greediness that being polite and considerate is as rare as rubies. And of course I’m not referring to false or performative charm, I mean pleasant, naturally expressed charm.
I came to the understanding that too many things are expected to be done by just one person and in the past people had more defined roles. This isn’t a criticism but rather an observation. It is challenging to remain lovely when we don’t even have time to ourselves and so much falls on our shoulders. Our minds are so scattered that we can barely focus on what people are saying anymore. I mean, one can’t even recall when was the last time one was looked in the eyes! The way society at large behaves at the moment is most undignified, generally speaking. We must find a balance and live life in a more sustainable manner, not only for ourselves but also for our children. After all, stressed parents will raise anxious children. Presently I have been exploring ways to avoid overwhelm and keep an unflappable poise, for my sanity, and indeed, for those around me. I’m completely aware of how terribly backward and old-fashioned my views are, and I take full responsibility for it. In fact, I do appreciate that about myself and I hope that I and other persistent buggers will keep the lost art of politeness alive. For there is something about manners and loveliness that makes us feel warm and like all is well in the world, which of course it’s not, and never will be, but at least our world, will be a lot better for it.
Do let me know your thoughts on the matter.
Yours gratefully,
R.C. De Sousa,
Author.
TTFN
