Politeness: The most acceptable hypocrisy?

No; I respectfully disagree. In fact, I just read an article about the present Y-generation, suggesting that they are the most narcissistic generation yet.

As a society, we have lost a significant sense of simple social courtesies.

People yak loudly and indiscriminately into cell phones, as if the whole world around them should have to bear witness to their often stupid or overly-personal conversation.

For a smoothly operating society, etiquette is akin to lubrication for machinery.

Courtesy costs nothing and it has wonderful effects.

I'm not sure how common courtesy enhances MY self-image. I don't act courteously toward others to feed my own ego, so I don't know what you mean.

But I do suggest you read that article regarding narcissism (link below).

Etiquette is a code of rules and guidelines to put people at ease. Politeness is not noticing whether people follow them or not...and Ambrose Bierce walked off into the Mexican jungle and was never heard from again...which is why he is excused from writing Thank you Notes.

That's a very glass-half-empty mentality.

Being polite is respect basically. Putting the other person first. You know? Serving the other person or people you are with and giving them the best experience they can possibly have, not making them uncomfortable or uneasy in any way.

Life isn't all about self. It's about others.

No, but I can understand why a cultural lout might think so. The hypocripsy is your own as you attempt to justify your own selfish brutish behavior. Face it; you're just an uneducated, unrefined, selfish piece of human drek. You'll feel better when you do face yourself. Finally, you will know your own place at the pig trough.

Etiquette and "good manners" is not about hypocrisy or your self image. It is how to treat others with dignity and respect.

'Respect for others' is a concept lacking in today's selfish society.

the comfort of the self image of others

Yep it is.

Because theres a fine line between an honest smile and a smile forced to protect reputation.

check with Rowan Oak -- thought that was putting it "nicely"

yes sure why not.