Curiously Courteous

10 April, 2020

I’m Curious. When you grew up, how did you learn to be courteous? For me, it was all the people in the social fabric of my life at that time. Parents, Grandparents, neighbors, teachers, religious leaders, coaches, and relatives of all sorts. This social fabric clothed me with a “Courtesy Suit”. I think it’s time that we all put on our suits, no matter how long it’s been since you sported it, or how dusty it has become hanging in your closet. So how can you be more courteous?

Say hello to the folks that you pass by in your daily journey. Ask, “How are you doing today?” Wish them a great day. Chances are, they will respond in kind. This makes the World a little smaller and helps us connect with one another to form a sense of community.

Grocery shopping. Hold the door for folks. Invite people to go first in the grocery store line if they have a smaller order. If you both get to the checkout line at the same time, be gracious and let the other shopper go first. Shopping for essentials is not a game of “King of the Mountain”, where you push and scrap and claw your way to climb to the top and win. NO fighting over toilet paper and wipes! Adopt an attitude of abundance. In the end, there is plenty of goods to go around. Don’t hoard essential products. Once you have your “emergency” supply, buy only what you need for a week.

Driving. Driver’s Ed course taught me the rules of the road. Use your blinker. Refresh yourself with the concept of “right of way”. Use the fast lane properly. When you are passing a slower vehicle, get in the fast lane, pass, and then move over; allow faster drivers behind you to pass. If you are in the fast lane and are driving faster than the vehicle in front of you, exhibit some patience, don’t tailgate; wait until the car in front of you moves over. Don’t swerve in and out of lanes; this is dangerous and puts those around you in peril. Don’t use your phone when you are supposed to be concentrating on your driving.

COVID-19 courtesy considerations. Stay inside! Help flatten the curve. Respect social distancing. Wear a face covering to prevent others from getting sick from your droplets. Don’t create litter with gloves and masks; when you are done with them dispose of them in a proper trash receptacle.

I believe that if we extend courtesies to one another, we will actually reduce stress in our own daily lives; something we could all use right now. So slow down a bit and be courteous to those around you. Put on your Courtesy Suit and start today!

Stay Happy and Healthy!