No matter how long you have been together as a couple or as a family, be respectful of each other and have some manners. Manners are a sign of respect towards others. How do you treat people when they come over to visit? Do you offer them something to drink or something to eat? Growing up, I remember having to clean the house and vacuum. We cleaned areas that I know guests would not look, but my mother always “just wanted to make sure” so no one would judge her as a bad wife and mother who had a dirty house. I remember growing up when people actually cared about being polite by sending thank you notes, bringing hostess gifts, and putting the toilet seat down. When it comes to combined families, the task is even more difficult in that everyone was raised differently and with a different set of manners or not. It’s important to find a combination of people living together, not all things come naturally. A great suggestion is for the adults to decide the ground rules for what is acceptable and unacceptable in their home. Putting away dishes. Doing the laundry. Cooking. Taking out the trash. Saying please and thank you. Knocking before entering a room. Children should not be involved since they do not have the experience and according to my dad, “don’t pay the bills.” Manners can be taught and will make life more enjoyable for everyone involved.