Holding the door open for others and picking up after oneself are known as common courtesies, but some have observed that these small decencies are sometimes forgotten.
For some area people, small things can go a long way.
"I notice a lot of people don't smile anymore (as they walk by) or say simple 'hellos,' " said Sandy Rhodes, of Cogan Station.
Rhodes said she wished more people walking on the street would be kinder and take the time to brighten others' days.
Nicole Little, of South Williamsport, said she "barely ever" sees individuals show respect for women and older people.
"They don't let the older people go
before them anymore," Little said. "They don't hold the door for women anymore."
She said it's all about respecting others.
"I think it's a respect thing," Little said. "Especially with the older people. They've been around longer and it's just a respect for them."
Proper etiquette is something lacking on the Susquehanna River Walk as well, according to Mark Murawski, county transportation planner.
Murawski said he's received numerous complaints from those using the paved path along both sides of the river.
"The kind of complaints I've been hearing from River Walk users ... is a conflict between bicyclists and walkers. Primarily what is happening is bicyclists are riding their bikes much faster than conditions allow," he said.
Since paths are narrow, Murawski said there also have been complaints of "hit-and-run" incidents. There are signs that ask slower traffic to stay to the right but everyone must watch for others.
Murawski went on to say that litter and pet droppings is another problem. That is yet another area where society is not showing respect for others in a shared environment.
"We still see some litter on the River Walk, especially from dogs," Murawski said.
Murawski added there have been no discussions about banning bikes or dogs from the walk but hopes the behavior will change.
Besides the River Walk, Murawski said graffiti is another activity he hopes people will end.
"You can build a brand new project or bridge ... and five days later you see profanity written on the wall of the new bridge. And that's a real shame," Murawski said.
One city resident said he sees behavior that isn't only disrespectful to others but to the country.
"I see a lot of people who don't take off their hats when the national anthem is playing," said Louis Santalucia Jr. "It really upsets me."
Santalucia isn't sure why people do it or how to get them to stop.
"I personally don't understand it, especially with what's going on with our armed forces. It's like people don't respect it anymore," he said.
Ceri Watkins, nutrition education adviser at the county's Penn State Cooperative Extension, teaches an etiquette program to students at Timberland Apartments. She said manners and how we treat others gives a first and lasting impression.
"It makes you look respectable," Watkins said, suggesting families should teach their children about manners and common courtesies.
"They should be taught manners at home, but some aren't," she said.
And she said everyone needs to improve to make the area better.
"I think we all have room to improve, definitely as a society," Watkins said.
Rhodes believes individuals just need to slow down and think things through.
"I think (they need to) just slow down and breathe," she said. "I think we're in so much of a hurry."
"I think it's inherited on our whole society, we have become impatient people," Murawski said. "Some of us have lost sight of values."
He also said with some things, it's all about pride.
"Have some community pride - do your part. You know when you're behaving badly," he said. "Don't ruin it for everyone else."
