A Simple Act Of Kindness Only Takes A Moment Of Your Time

I remember when common courtesy was more a part of society’s everyday practice. When we moved into a new neighborhood, our neighbors would greet us with an introduction and a delicious sweet treat. At the grocery store, if someone needed to grab something next to me, they would say in a Minnesota accent, “ope, sorry, I’m gonna sneak right past ya real quick.” My family raised me to say “please” when I asked for something, and once I received it, they got a “thank you.”

Nowadays, people don’t even conversate with one another anymore, let alone being polite, and when you try to communicate with someone in public, they brush you off like you don’t exist. What happened? It’s said to be old-fashioned, but I look at it as being respectful.

People that work in customer service get chewed out by disgruntled customers for something that is usually irrational. Workers get food thrown back at them because they accidentally messed up an order. They even randomly find themselves in someone’s Tik Tok videos. Staring them down, catching an attitude, cussing them out, throwing your money on the counter, and snatching your belongings from them doesn’t help.

I try to avoid going to the store unless necessary-no more window shopping for me. People are so rude and angry now that being around negative energy has turned into a dreadful task. I’ve had people push my cart out of the way instead of saying, “excuse me, can you move your cart so I can grab something?” Coughing and hacking without a mask on during a pandemic makes me sick. The irritation of hearing the huffing and puffing standing in the check-out line when you know Walmart only has two cashier lanes open every day. Being stuck in the house is already difficult enough, but I would rather be there than deal with annoyed and cranky shoppers.

If you put yourself in their shoes, can you imagine the amount of disrespect they encounter from different people all day, every day? I know I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes, so I always conversate with them so that they at least have one cheerful customer they can remember. I don’t know how many times I have heard, “you’ve made my day!” But the customer behind me is usually annoyed that I talked to the worker in the first place. I guess I am slowing them down by being kind.

When I was a kid, our neighbor would invite us to their house for fresh homemade hot tamales and churros. Neighbors would watch out for and protect the kids outside playing when another parent wasn’t around. Everyone would gather for National Night Out and got to know each other’s families well.

Now, when I say “hi” to a neighbor, they don’t even acknowledge me. Can I at least get a head nod back? I hear people saying, “Nobody is obligated to talk to you.” Ok, but would it hurt to fake a smile, wave, or something. When someone does speak, I stumble into shock because I’m more prepared for them not to answer me back.

Then you have the more aggressive road rage where drivers are playing bumper cars now. People will let the door slam in your face before they hold it open for you. Giving up a seat on a bus or train for an old or disabled person is a no-go. Don’t even knock on your neighbor's door for some sugar because they won’t answer.

It’s like when Ceelo Green said, “I remember when I remember, I remember when I lost my mind. There was something so pleasant about that place.” There are so many emotions that the world is feeling right now that people allow themselves to act “crazy” without considering the consequences or how their actions affect others.

Your current mood doesn’t have to dictate how you treat others or your communication. We all have life issues that we have to deal with, and honestly, you never know what someone is going through at that moment. There is no reason to judge someone solely based on their physical appearance; try talking to them and understanding their true character. You might be surprised that you have more in common than you could have imagined.

I see more people caring only about what is beneficial to themselves and turning a blind eye to someone who could use a little sympathy or generosity. It’s hard for me to grasp why it’s so challenging to have a little patience and to take a moment to be nice to someone. I also don’t understand why kindness is taken for granted and looked down upon. A simple gesture could impact someone’s life more than you even know.

I find joy in seeing people light up when I communicate with them. I might keep getting labeled as “too nice,” but I will continue to be respectful, polite, and attempt to spread some joy because it only takes a second.

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