What is the term for good manners and polite behavior?

The term that best describes good manners and polite behavior is courtesy. Courtesy encompasses the acts of showing kindness, respect, and consideration towards others in social interactions. It is an essential aspect of interpersonal relationships and contributes to a positive atmosphere, especially in professional settings such as cosmetology.

While respect involves recognizing the worth of someone or something and is closely related to courteous behavior, it is broader and doesn't solely refer to the actions associated with manners. Etiquette refers to the specific rules and rituals of social behavior that govern interactions but does not fully encompass the essence of good manners on its own. Civility, similar to courtesy, relates to polite behavior but is often concerned with maintaining a level of decorum in public life rather than the personalized kindness associated with courtesy.

Thus, courtesy is the most appropriate term for summarizing good manners and polite behavior in social contexts.