Good breeding is the result of much good sense, some good nature, and a little self-denial for the sake of others, and with a view to obtain the same indulgence from them.

Courtesy is mostly practical. It takes some judgement about what other people need, a basic willingness to think well of them, and a small amount of going without so that they are comfortable. The arrangement holds because it is mutual, and everyone gives up a little so that nobody has to give up much.

This week, notice a moment where you could have your way at a minor cost to someone else, and let it go. The seat, the last word, the timing that suits you. Small self-denials of that kind are what make a household or an office bearable.