Want to know what’s wrong with the world today? So do I. Want to know something we can do to improve the world? Common courtesy. It wasn’t that long ago I wrote about “Why You Should Always Jeep Wave” and what that might mean to the other person. I think it is time we expanded that idea.
Kindness towards others
I recall growing up I was taught to respect my elders, open the door for the next person coming through, letting others in front of you in line who needed it. Mom’s with kids, little old ladies, and people who were only buying one item compared to our cart full. Sure there are people who take advantage of these situations, but the vast majority of people appreciate the gesture and are just as likely to pass it on.
It’s much more likely that the average person just stares at the unruly kids, they make sure no one can get in front of them, and try to force their way in front of others. I am no self-help guru but that level of selfishness is unhealthy. A complete lack of courtesy that only makes each person angrier.
Drivers who think they own the road.
Since we are all drivers I felt this was an important section. As commuters we tend to be arrogant about “owning” the road, other drivers are impediments to our travel, and motorcycles are our enemies.
Motorcycle riders feel the same way which makes for a very antagonist relationship and not unlike my previous marriage.
Stop speeding, stop weaving, and stop cutting people off. Some people will be mad at that statement – but I don’t just mean car drivers, I mean everyone.
On my way to work this morning, I saw every kind of traffic violation, speeding, texting, cutting off other drivers for an extra 10 feet of travel. Racing from a stop to pass one car before the merge and more.
The funny thing is as I meandered along – I arrived at the same place and at the same time as those drivers who were blitzkrieging the interstate and merge lanes. I sat directly behind them at the light before we turned into work and we parked within seconds of each other. They were frazzled, hyper, and irritable. I was calm and happy. Same drive, same place, same time, two different attitudes. People need to relearn how to budget time and plan accordingly and apply those common courtesy principles.
What to do? Be courteous.
We should do what movies, poets, and life teachers have been telling us for a very long time. Stop and smell the roses. relax, slow down, plan your day better, and don’t be in such a rush. I doubt the other driver noticed the sun peaking up over the horizon this morning. It was beautiful. Respect other people even if they don’t respect you, be kind, and be courteous.
