8 Mannerly Behaviors That Still Matter in Today's Digital World

The foundation of true good manners is to treat others as you would like to be treated. "The rules of good manners are the traffic lights of human interaction," Pier Forni, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, tells the Washington Post. "They make it so that we don't crash into one another in everyday behavior." With our human interactions being increasingly carried out online, it can be easy to forget simple, basic courtesies. Here are 8 mannerly behaviors that still matter in today's digital world.

Thank you cards sent in the mail are a polite and considerate way of showing appreciation. By sending a card through the mail, you go the extra mile to acknowledge someone else's kindness, be it a birthday present or a favor they did for you. Sending a thank you text is nice, but a card trumps all.

Sending flowers is a thoughtful gesture that shows someone you are thinking about them. It's a kind, courteous act that makes the person receiving the flowers feel special. Unlike simply sending a text, arranging to have flowers sent takes effort and time for the person doing it, which makes it even more special.

In the digital age, it's easy to be more rude or aggressive online than you would be face to face. Have respect for others' opinions, and never forget there is an actual person on the other end of the discussion. You don't have to agree, but you can be considerate.

Whether it's through the mail, email, or text message, if you are asked to RSVP, do so in a timely manner. Your host needs to know how to accommodate the number of people they are expecting, in order to get the right amount of food, for example, or the correct venue. Show respect for their efforts by responding.

It's becoming more and more common for people to send digital birthday and holiday cards, but nothing replaces the real thing, sent in the mail. The personal touch makes the act so much more special than an online card.

Punctuality shows respect and consideration for others. There is no excuse for being late all the time—give yourself extra time if you know you tend to run late. Apologize sincerely if you do keep someone waiting.

Please and thank you will never go out of fashion, both for children and adults. A tiny bit of consideration goes a long way, and with everyone communicating via text, you can't always tell what someone's tone might be. It's more important than ever to be polite when not face-to-face.

It's polite and thoughtful to take a small gift when someone is hosting you. This shows gratitude and appreciation for the effort your host is making, and even if they say it's not necessary, make an effort to take something you know would be useful to them in some way. "It's never okay to arrive empty-handed in my book," etiquette expert Myka Meier tells Veranda. "Even the smallest gesture to show thanks for being invited is what matters."