Please and Thank You

I hate how people talk to each other these days. I grew up on Please and Thank you, would you mind, could you please... But, these days people tell other people what they "need to" do. It bugs the snot out of me. I have been guilty of it in the past. Everyone is subject to pick up bad habits from other people if they are exposed to it for too long. So, I make a conscious effort to ask rather than tell people what to do. If I would like a favor from someone I ask them if they will do me a favor. "Can you please pick up some onions for dinner tomorrow" rather than, "You need to pick up some onions for dinner tomorrow". No one wants to be told what to do unless they are getting paid to do it. Furthermore, not even your boss should tell you what "you need to" do. I was taught that you catch more bees with honey. When I am told what I "need to" do, I feel resentful while doing whatever favor I am doing. If I am asked politely, I happily perform the task and feel truly appreciated for having been helpful because I was properly asked.

Since when did "you need to" become the standard for asking for help? You know who says "you need to"? Someone who is robbing you at gunpoint. You know who asks you to "please get me a soda?" People who love you, respect you, and truly appreciate the time you took to help them out.

Say please and thank you and you will have more favors done for you in response.