Society has many bumps and potholes. What happens when those potholes become sinkholes? What happens when a small blip reaches Critical Mass. Today I want to talk about courtesy or the lack of it.
My life was made difficult today by two ladies.
One was a little old lady who cut me off in the parking lot. It was totally unnecessary. The lot was mostly empty but she had to turn in front of me so she could get out of her car and beat me to the counter. I didn’t honk or gesture. I was calm and dignified. Irritated, but dignified.
Then as I approached the door of the bakery I held the door for a lady. She was one of those people who probably has diabetes because of weight and exercise issues. She was having a hard time walking. I felt her pain. I was far enough ahead that I could have ignored her, but I held the door and waited for her. She said, “Thank you”. So far, so good. What I do when people are courteous like that is wave them ahead. Others have done the same to me. It is mutual courtesy.
Not her. She hurried to get in line ahead of me. No big problem but an indication. What was a problem was that she began a long litany of an order with many small details and questions. I waited while the lady who cut me off and her friend completed ordering and moved on. I placed my order and received my bread and coffee. I went to my seat, filled my cup and tracked down some butter. The lady I held the door for was still ordering.
Courtesy would have not moved to the head of the line. Courtesy would have known that they would be holding up others who are waiting and let me go first. Courtesy is a choice. Fewer people are choosing it. When the choice reaches critical mass it will be another sinkhole for our society. People will be forced to get aggressive to survive.
I may soon add myself to the growing crowd of people who have given up on courtesy. I am not there, nor does my Bible allow that option, so I am stuck. But I might start looking for loopholes.
homo unius libri
I'm surprised the woman(notice I don't toss the term "lady" around carelessly) even said "thank you." Many don't anymore. I've begun saying "You're welcome" loudly enough that I'm sure they hear it. Most ignore it, but a few sheepishly say a belated Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIn the world to come you may get punched in the nose for saying, "You're Welcome." Stand back when you say it.
DeleteGrace and peace.
Courtesy seems to be headed down the same sinkhole where Common Sense now resides.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher I must admit that I have not run into much of that either lately.
DeleteGrace and peace.
You may find that giving up on being courteous is more exhausting and frustrating than being courteous. It is probably an ingrained part of your nature to be thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it that way. Since you are possibly right I will probably never know.
DeleteGrace and peace.