Etiquette

I get frustrated with modern etiquette. Times change, and our tools change, but there are some old habits I would like to hold on to. One, in particular, is the act of keeping an engagement.  If I make a date with someone, I'm trying to make more effort to commit in advance to a set day and time, and more importantly, to notate it somewhere to remind me.  Amazing!  Then I turn down any other offers or invitations for that time. I think this is something we could all try to do in general.  I understand that we all have those friends or family members with whom we get together frequently, and so we keep things loose and flexible.  It's when I start finding myself unable to see the people I care about as often as I like that such commitments become so important.  I think we should be teaching our children this lesson as well.  If they accept an invitation, it should be honored, not cancelled if a "better offer" comes along. This is a way we can practice respect for others and develop character.  Similarly, if a child takes on a class or an activity that they find they do not enjoy, the honorable thing to do is fulfill their commitment; just see it through to the end.  Everyone is free to make a different choice next time.