Some Thoughts on Common Courtesy

Posted by Frankly Francis on February 18, 2009 under Personal | 3 Comments to Read

I find myself more and more often in the midst of unhappy and uncivil people.  There’s a certain element of being a good American and being abrasive, but there are reasonable alternatives too.  I prefer common courtesy and civil politeness.

Fundamentally, we are all orbiting the sun together on the planet we call Earth.  There are very big things out there more worthy of our time and consideration than the pettiness that we all too often spend our valuable time on.

Some specific observations:

It is never a good idea, under any circumstance, to piss-off the cook or waiter before you get your food.  Anyone who has ever worked in the food service industry knows this.  Trust me.  And please tip your service staff generously if they serve you well.

All too often I have an idiot driver in front of me.  More often than not it is an elderly person.  Just remember, that could be your parent or grandparent and how would you like them treated by others?  Once it actually was my parent.  People of all ages have bad days and do stupid things while driving.  I have, tell me that you haven’t…cut some slack.

If you go to a drive-thru window, expect to be screwed.  That’s just the price we pay for convenience.

I’ve lived through the Modern Feminist Movement.  I believe in equal pay for equal work.  I know that there is a difference between men and women.  Personally, I like that difference and respect it.  Therefore, treating a woman, as a lady does not nullify any equality under the law, it just shows a respect for the other gender.  Furthermore, I do not understand why women are more willing to be subjugated by popular culture today than they have in the past.  As a man, I find it embarrassing.  Makes no sense to me, but maybe I’m getting too long in the tooth….

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, never, ever, underestimate the power of a random act of kindness or a senseless act of beauty.  It’s such a selfish thing to do because it feels so good.  The “Pay it Forward” and “The Butterfly Effect” of doing something nice for someone – you just never know what good it will produce.

Frankly,

Francis