Once again, our fair city is taking a back seat to that mega-metropolis called Big D.

Are we not as fit? Perhaps we’re not as fashion chic? No, it seems Houston is not as rude as the fine folks in Dallas.

This latest slap in the face comes from Travel + Leisure magazine, which wanted to know the cities where visitors receive a rude reception.

It’s not easy to demonstrate disdain and exhibit a total lack of manners to our fellow man. Being nice requires much less effort, so are we just being lazy?

Houston ranks 16th on the list, far behind Dallas, which came in sixth. (New York City was rated the rudest city). The Travel + Leisure editors felt “the bigger the city, the bigger the attitude” was a critical factor in determining the level of rudeness. This makes about as much sense as the more money you have, the better looking you are, but that’s beside the point.

Let’s face it, being rude takes a lot of work. It’s not easy to demonstrate disdain and exhibit a total lack of manners to our fellow man. Being nice requires much less effort, so are we just being lazy?

What will it take to improve Houston's status among the travelers of the world? Should we suggest anatomically impossible activities more often? Add more sarcasm when talking about people we really don’t like? Cut in line?

What is it that Dallas does to earn such respect when it comes to effrontery behavior?

It’s time for this city to roll up its sleeves and get to work on improving its boorish behavior. Allow me to start by performing the one finger salute to the staff at Travel + Leisure.