Just a thought
For so many years, I have encountered different types of rude, arrogant, inconsiderate Singaporeans. Sometimes, you'd think that there is really no way in Singapore becoming a more gracious society. But, I encountered some nice people recently that shed a little hope that maybe things aren't as bad as I thought.
The thoughtful Uncle
There is this weird middle-aged guy that lives in my block. He would spend his time taking the lift, just going up and down. Often, he would be spotted looking very stoned as he made his way slowly to the lift. He's obviously a nutcase and his presence always brings about a lot discomfort to the residents. Many girls and women in this block are quite freaked out by his behavior and refused to take the lift with him. I have also had a rather bad experience with him (he had once tried to follow me while I was walking my dog but he couldn't keep up). But so far, I think there hasn't been any complaints about him; most people think he's harmless (except my one neighbour who told me his mother-in-law was once kicked by him while she was on the way out of the lift).
Anyway, I was going home this one evening, and I saw him again the lift. The door opened, and he refused to get out. So i stood there, refusing to get in. Then, there was an uncle who made his way to the lift and he noticed that I was scared. He stood at the lift door, smiled at me and said, "It's okay; come on in."
So I got in. Fortunately for me, the nice uncle lives on the 10th floor and I live on the 6th, which means I don't have to share the lift alone with the creepy guy (something I hadn't thought of when I made my way in). When the lift door was about to open, the nice uncle moved a little; to come in between myself and the creepy guy so that I could sort of be "protected" (and possibly not be kicked as I made my way out of the lift. heh.).
It was a very simple gesture, but it was really very thoughtful of that nice uncle.
The courteous bus driver
Those who drive will tell you that taxi and bus drivers are the worst lot. They do not signal when they cut lanes, and when they do, the signal blinks for one second and suddenly they're right in front of you.
This morning, when I was driving to work, there was this bus that was trying to cut into my lane. I usually give way when they signal. The bus driver, noticed that I gave way, gave a very long wave that symbolised a thank you. I thought it was actually a very polite thing to do.
How often have we forgotten to thank the vehicle behind for giving way?
The helpful lady
I was approaching this building near my office and had my hands full; groceries on one hand and my briefcase on the other. In the opposite direction, I noticed a lady walking towards me as she pushed through the glass door. I was still a distance from the door and was wondering how I could push my way through the door. The lady, noticing that I was approaching, held the door for me even though I wasn't exactly near it. I took a few quick steps and muttered a soft "Thank you" as I went passed her.
I thought that was a very nice gesture.
Sometimes you don't know how your little act of kindness or consideration can have a positive impact on other people. Even people you don't know. So, why wait to do something nice?
posted by Adrenaline at 11:48 PM
7 Comments:
It has always been my long held opinion that courtesy is the lubricant of society.
I jux ate 2 big slices of pizza and a big cup of Ribena (not available in the US) while reading your blog. Havent read ur blog for a while and its still readable.
Life, take it easy, but not too easy. Work hard, not too hard. Eat, but not too much. Sleep, but not too much. Smoke, but not too much too....
Essentially, what i'm trying to say is.. Everything in moderation is good for our well-being. Both emotionally and physically.
FrUm,
a friend who makes good Sense.
US don't have Ribena meh? Anyway, this is pretty weird because all the abovementioned scenarios involve people who are more elder; perhaps because you don't take the public transport often, the equation goes like this:
The older you are = The less courteous and considerate you will be
However, there's also:
The younger you are = The less oblivion you are to your surrounding (ignorant), therefore quite insensitive to people around you.
So which is worse man. But I just think that while there are black sheeps (in fact herds of them), there are also sensitive and considerate people around.
Let's spread the joy of being courteous and nice and I believe it will catch on.
Start by being extra nice to me. :)
ogre: yes, yes, i do notice your courtesy to service staff while we're out for dinners and such.
But u're very nasty to friends leh! why?
anonymous: yah, US don't have ribena meh??? wah lau, i have ribena in my fridge anytime.
anyway, sex needn't be done in moderation. You can have a lot and a lot of sex. it's very good for your emotional and physical well-being.
binny: okay, i know i always hit you but im still very nice to you okay?!
u be nice to me too .... buy me a jay chow ticket. heheh.
We always tend to remember the bad things, rather the good things. We remember all the screw-ups of our colleagues, but forget how much effort they have put in. We remember all the trouble our children have given us, but forget all the sweet times we had with them.
We should all try to nice to others, but bear in mind that sometimes its being taken for granted. :p
I am usually very humble, but I must say I am a sibeh polite and courteous boy. I even won this Friend of Singa courtesy award before wor :D!
Fuck Jay Chow.
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