Many people struggle to differentiate between manners and behavior and how they relate to each other. This article aims to clarify these concepts and distinguish between them.
Key Takeaways
- Manners are codes of conduct that a person is expected to exhibit in social contexts, while behavior is the reflection of a person’s true nature.
- A person may display good manners yet have poor behavior.
- In terms of human personality, manners make up the outermost layer, while behavior is the deeper nature of a person.
Manners are the code of conduct people are expected to follow in different circumstances. They are not laws, but in society, individuals are expected to adhere to these norms or codes of conduct to be classified as having manners. Examples of good manners include offering a seat to a lady when there are no available seats, a child not making noise in the absence of a teacher, and tipping a waiter in a restaurant. In contrast, bad manners are demonstrated by people who try to break a queue to get their work done before others who have been waiting patiently.
Behavior, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses manners, feelings, emotions, and actions. It is a true reflection of a person’s character and is demonstrated through their attitude. People generally disapprove of haughty, aggressive, and bold behavior and dislike those who boast about themselves and their achievements. Modesty is considered a virtue, and individuals who remain down to earth and modest despite their accomplishments are often seen as role models for future generations.
Manners are typically taught at home by parents and other elders, and later by teachers. However, they do not become part of a person’s behavior until they are comfortable with them. Manners are an outgrowth of a person’s inner nature, which is the behavior they display in all circumstances. Good behavior automatically translates into good manners, and no matter how hard one tries to instill good manners, they do not become part of a person’s basic nature unless they complement their behavior.
