What Ever Happened to Manners?

I would like to know what is happening to manners? Simple "thank yous" and "you welcomes" are even forgotten for such simple things as holding door open these days. I usually give evil stares or say "you welcome" under my breath since I'm a chicken and don't want to face an unnecessary confrontation. Not worth it these days.

But lately, my observations in manner-lacking are within the teen population. Surprisingly, I'm seeing it worse in the female genre. I first observed this phenomenon during Teen's party. It was the boys that took off their shoes first and it was the boys who said thank you when they left. The girls just caused drama, cried, screamed and giggled. Are boy parents more cognizant of manners because they are boys? Or are boys just better behaved in the homes of their female counterparts?

Just the other day Teen had some friends over. One female and two boys. The boys took off their shoes NEXT to the door and they said their thank yous when they left. Unfortunately, they lost a few brownie points when I caught them cuddling too close in the basement. I know it happens but at least jump up and uncuddle when you see me, the parent, make a surprise entrance. Anyway, moving on. I'm not sure if it's more of a comfort thing or is it because I look like I'm their same age but the girls do not display the best of manners. The biggest surprise for me has been my name. Now, I don't know if I'm necessarily ready to be called Mrs. Juno Mom or Ma'am but at least I know I don't want to be called by my first name. I suppose I'm at a bit of a disadvantage since Teen calls me by my first name most of the time. She calls me mom too but she calls me by my first name more. But still, does this give her friends the right to call me by my first name too? One of Teen's friends began calling me by my first name almost immediately - like the day I met her. At first I thought maybe it was a mistake, maybe I'm being too old-fashion but G heard it the other day and was just as shocked as I was. This particular girl also took off her shoes right smack in the middle of the main hallway downstairs!! I mean, what is that all about??? Don't get me wrong, this girl is very nice and she's great with my other two kids. We were all even hanging on my bed the other night like a bunch of girls at a sleepover but still, I'm the mom and this is my house. Regardless if I look like I'm their same age or that they are taller, I am still the mom and I deserve respect, right? Right.

Old-fashion or not, G and I both agreed that growing up we called even our best-friend's mom by their last name. To this day I'm still uncomfortable with calling people their first name unless they give me permission to do so. So, how do I fix this without embarrassing the girl? Or do I just let it go?