Choosing Civility

It's pretty amazing to me that P.M. Forni's book, Choosing Civility, is becoming a runaway concept that is reaching into the fabric of everyday lives. Why has he reached the "tipping point" now? I don't know. Here in Maryland, it's even appearing as a county-wide Choose Civility Project in Howard County. Are these new "rules" ... these 25 rules of considerate conduct? Not really. As far as I've read in the book, it's basic Christian stuff.

About 3-4 weeks agao, I got to hear him speak at a library conference of all things! He was wonderful. Of course, that Italian accent doesn't hurt either. I say, Go for it! If it's easier to remember Forni's rule, "think the best" than it is Luke 22:24-30.

In case you're not the familiar, here are the "rules."

1. Pay attention
2. Acknowledge others
3. Think the best
4. Listen
5. Be inclusive
6. Speak kindly
7. Don't speak ill
8. Accept and give praise
9. Respect even a subtle "no"
10. Respect others' opinions
11. Mind your body
12. Be agreeable
13. Keep it down (and rediscover silence)
14. Respect other people's time
15. Respect other people's space
16. Apologize earnestly
17. Assert yourself
18. Avoid personal questions
19. Care for your guests
20. Be a considerate guest
21. Think twice before asking for favors
22. Refrain from idle complaints
23. Accept and give constructive criticism
24. Respect the environment and be gentle to animals
25. Don't shift responsibility and blame