Walking the streets of a big city, you begin to notice how there is a lack of common sense around you. Or maybe it's the lack of everyday respect and kindest in our modern world. I'm not a bitter person but there are some things that have really begun to irritate me. I've noticed a significant decline in people's kindness and respect for others.
One of the rudest subway stories I have happened a few months ago. I was on the subway around 9 p.m. The train wasn't busy and I had groceries with me, so I put them on the seat beside me. I would normally take them off and make room for others if it was busy, but as it was, there were several empty seats around; I began to do some work on the ride. A few stops later a woman came and stood close to me. There were other seats available (one right in front of me) so I didn't take much notice of her. Then she leaned against me and pushed her bags into my side. I noticed this and moved her bags out of the way, so it wouldn't hit me anymore, in case she didn't realize what she was doing. But rather than apologizing she started saying how rude I was that I didn't move my bags for her.
So I pointed out several empty seats around us but she didn't move. She just stood there pushing her bags into me -- purposely! I moved my bags from the seat beside me. But she continued to be ignorant and push me with her bags. I was so frustrated. At the next stop two women got on, one sat in-front of me and the other took the seat beside. I couldn't believe how rude the first woman was! She didn't even have the common courtesy to ask me politely to move my things. Someone with common sense would have asked politely. I was so angry by the time I got home. Not a way you would choose to end an evening.
So people out there who think you are entitled to whatever you want without asking politely, all I can say is: Don't pass along your hate or your misery to others. If you can't behave in public, stay home.
Common sense that need to be re-learned:
1. Single File
When two people are walking side-by-side on the sidewalk and see someone coming towards them in the other direction, but don't move to let them pass. Single file people! It takes 2 seconds to let someone pass.
2. Wait Your Turn
When waiting for the subway people who don't let others exit the train or bus before entering. You won't be able to get on if people can't get off. Common sense!
3. Take Off The Sunglasses
If you're outside or on public transit, it's acceptable to wear your sunglasses. But if you're at an event or gathering inside, it's just plain rude! You're not Anna Wintour or Karl Lagerfeld, take off the shades and stop being pretentious!
I'm sure all you reading this have similar stories to mine, so I invite you to vent about them here in the comments section rather than being rude to others. It's tough but if we keep passing along the hate and rudeness, things will not improve.