Ethical problems do not occur just at work, or at school, because for most of us, some of our most pressing ethical decisions come in the context of daily living. We must continually make choices in dealing with other people, in the performance of our daily routines, or within our family lives.

It is sometimes easier to make ethical choices when they involve people who are not close to us. A person's public persona can be more ethical than the private personality that is revealed to family or close associates. For some, it is easier to be unethical in dealings with those closest to them, as "they will understand me," or "I'll make it up to them later," become excuses for improper behavior or lack of ethical consideration.

We make choices as consumers, as neighbors, or when among strangers that involve ethical decision-making. Is it proper to behave in one way where we are known, and to follow different standards if we are dealing with situations or strangers we will never encounter again?

Developing a personal code of ethics is not a one-time chore, it is a continual process throughout life. Being an ethical person can become a habit, just as any other activity, but choices will continue to appear as part of life, and making ethical decisions is part of the normal fabric of each life.