Civics

How should people behave? 
As we go through daily life, out and about in the world, there are certain standards we must adhere to.  We wear clothes, and eat with our mouths closed.  We shake each others' hands and park within the lines.  When we act normally and "civilly", the world is a better place and we avoid unnecessary conflict and awkward situations. 
But when do we cross the line on civics?  When do the standards of human decency and basic social propriety become petty and silly? 
Well, think back to Victorian England.  They had ridiculous customs.  If you were at some sort of social gathering, and wished to address a stranger of a higher class, you could not do so without permission or someone to introduce the two of you.  Men had all sorts of rules about bowing and hat-tipping and chaperoning.  It was all about etiquette and adhering to specific rules about speech and behavior.  Children couldn't speak without being spoken to. 
Well, obviously from a modern standpoint, Victorian civics were over the top and frivolous.  Nowadays, interactions are not defined by social restrictions like they were two hundred years ago.  But, we have also lost the expectation for many basic behaviors.  Simple things really, talking in movie theatres.  Behind rude on the phone.  Wearing casual clothes to a fancy restaurant.  What is the price we pay for losing civics?  And is it worth it if we get to go about living individualistically and wearing our hawks jerseys to fogo de chão?