We’ve been spending our summers on the Côte d’Azur for many years now. It’s become our little slice of heaven. Lately, boat charters have become part of the rhythm. And once you cross a certain size (and let’s be honest, price point), the boat comes with a captain, ready to take you wherever your heart (and the best sun exposure) leads.
On our first outing a few years ago, as we were wrapping up the day, the captain pulled my husband and me aside to compliment our kids. He couldn’t get over how polite and well-behaved they were.
Cue the proud mom moment.
On the second outing, same thing. A different captain, same comment.
Then it happened at a restaurant.
And again at a hotel.
Another time at a birthday party pickup.
I eventually stopped counting.
Now to be clear: my boys are wonderful. They’re each their own person, with strengths and quirks and all the energy you’d expect from three brothers. They’re also loud. They argue. They roughhouse. But at the core, they’ve been taught to be kind, respectful, and mindful of others. They say please. They say thank you. They ask permission before jumping off a boat once anchored.
What struck me wasn’t just the compliments, it was what they revealed. That basic politeness is now rare enough to be remarkable.
It’s lovely to hear, of course. But it also made me pause. In what kind of world does a simple “thank you” stand out this much?
I’ll continue to receive the kind words with gratitude. But if I’m honest, I hope I hear it less in the future. Not because my boys don’t deserve it, but because respect, courtesy, and basic human decency won’t feel so exceptional that it earns a standing ovation.
Zone 1 Boarding 