Thought of the day: The original meaning of this phrase remains uncertain, however in the 1785 edition of The Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, Francis Grose defines it like this, "To mind one's P's and Q's; to be attentive to the main chance."
So how does this apply to you? Well in today's age, when someone says this phrase it is usually referring to minding your manners. And while I am an advocate for manners in a time where it seems they are quickly becoming extinct, I also think that Mr. Grose's estimation of the phrase is profound.
"To be attentive to the main chance"
Far too often, we forget that minding our p's and q's goes much farther than being polite, it is also a way of showing respect to the people we share our lives with. Respecting people, whether we like them or not, should be a rule we abide by. If we don't, the "main chance"- this life we have been given- will be spent chasing after our own desires without regard for those we meet along the way.
So today, I urge you to mind your p's and q's and to be attentive to the way you treat everyone in your life from the barista to your boyfriend.
No comments:
Post a Comment