Last week’s article on beach etiquette got such a response that I thought I would respond to some of the emails and comments I received. So many people have stopped me on the street and emailed that they agree with all their hearts with what I wrote, and they want to do something about it. Well, let’s talk about how we can be a positive influence in restoring the beauty of our town, tips to keep it that way and how you can all help.

Beauty Tip #1 – If you are sitting on the beach and you see someone getting ready to leave, and they are not taking their trash with them, help them out. I carry a plastic bag in my beach bag just for my own trash. From now on carry two plastic bags with you; one for yourself and one to help someone else out. If you are walking on the beach or on the street, and you see trash, don’t walk over it, pick it up. I have actually said something to people when I have seen them throw their cigarette butts out the window of their car. I really don’t recommend you do that; a fight might arise, but a strong look and a wiggle of your finger might do the trick... just saying. Now, you might get an indiscreet wiggle back but sometimes a little encouragement to do the right thing might just make them stop and think before they trash our town. One person at a time and we all have done our part. I decided today that on my next trip down the Rt. 589 ramp toward Ocean Pines, I will take a trash bag with me and stop. I am going to pull over just before the light and collect and gather al the cigarette butts, water bottles and trash that has accumulated on the side of the road. You pick a place and do the same thing. Together we can clean up this town. Let’s keep Ocean City a beautiful place to live in.

Beauty #2 – “We cannot change a person’s respect level if they don’t have one in the first place.” This is a direct quote from a person who responded to my comment on using foul language. He is so right! So how do we handle this when we are out in a restaurant or a bar and there is someone mouthing off right next to us. Usually, but not all the time, this person has had way too much to drink and confronting them isn’t a good idea. Maybe asking a manager would be your best shot at getting the person removed or calmed down. Most places don’t want this kind of behavior and will help you handle the situation quickly and quietly. When alchohol is involved, all filters are gone, so maybe just a little push in the right direction will work – like out the door!

Beauty Tip #3 – I don’t have an answer on how to get the women to dress respectfully and appropriately. With the role models these young girls have today, this generation has a hard road in front of them. These days, with the body tattoos in places that were never meant to be seen, women are now dressing to show those tattoos; and losing all respect for themselves in the process. You are taught right and wrong or you learn by your mistakes. Crazy ... what I’m seeing happening now is the ‘70s and ‘80s generation are nipping, tucking and enhancing, because some of us don’t ever want to grow old, but we can still dress with respect and show the younger generation a thing or two. Maybe if we continue to cover it up in a respectful yet sexy way, we mentor them without even saying a word. Bathing suit coverups here at the beach are a start. The picture displayed here is just an example of how cute a coverup can be. This can take you from beach to the Tiki Bar at Coconuts with style, class and respect. Now all we have to do is work on dressing for dinner and not showing up at the table with a T-shirt, shorts and leaving your hat on. Show a little respect. Let’s get our beautiful family town back – one person at a time.

Thank you again for your support and comments; and keep them coming. You can share your great tips by contacting me at lindasears53@aol.com