Why do people NEVER say "Thank You"??

[IDismyname]

Its's great to see people thanking others on the "Secret Santa" thread. I seem to have spent the last few weeks doing things with friends who have yet to even text to say Thanks.

I had 3 friends for lunch a few weeks ago - cooked them a nice lunch - not a word of thanks from any of them. No text. Nothing.

Spent 2 hours volunteering and running village shop. Nothing from the chap I was helping.

Drove a friend to Gloucester and back (2 hours each way) and no offer towards petrol, no offer of a coffee and no word of thanks either. She even sent me an email the following day about something else!

Had brother, wife and 3 kids overnight while bro and wife went to wedding, so I babysat till they came home. No thanks, no box of chocs. Nothing

Am I getting old and grumpy (methinks 44 a bit young for that...) or is there another reason?

Manners cost nothing (as I keep telling ds), and sending a text takes seconds.

What is up with everyone??!!

Rant over....

I always ask 'what's the magic word?'if my ds3 and the lad I mind forget to say 'thank you and 'please' but usually I don't have to remind them which is nice.

I find some elderly people very rude sometimes, its like they expect people to be polite when they've pushed in front of you on the bus or in a queue!

I totally agree with the title of this thread, I find people's acts of politness or general manners are dying out!

I was on holiday in Portugal and found the people are so much more polite than in England (which shouldn't be, I thought we were the most polite and upstanding country for manners in the world!) but even young boys (who can be forgiven for not saying thank you) were polite and considerate over there.

I recently had to move myself and DD1 to the side of the pavement to allow a trio of woman to walk past (I didnt 'have' to stop), I waited patiently and the woman just looked at me coldly and continued talking to her friend as they past without even a smile of thanks! Put me in a foul mood! :P

But maybe this thread will remind a few to say thanks who wouldnt normally?
Hope it doesnt do the opposite!