I'm very much a 'matriarch elephant' and try to being about some manners as I go about the place. BUT nowadays, in a big city you risk being stabbed, punched to the ground or attacked in some other way if you so much dare to frown. My dear husband is the epitome of politeness and will insist on holding doors open in shops, but streams of folk push through with no thank you and he could end up standing there all day like a twit. I often say loudly "And...thank you!" but I only get glared at. I've also stopped him giving up his seat on a bus, nobody cares or acknowledges it. It's only in the village here that people are absolute dears. A lesson to be learned? Community spirit is important!