Common Courtesy
We often feel that we don’t have the time or energy to extend
ourselves to others with the small gestures that compose what we call common
courtesy. It sometimes seems that this kind of social awareness belongs to the
past, to smaller towns and slower times. Yet, when someone extends this kind of
courtesy to us, we always feel touched. Someone who lends a helping hand when we
are struggling with our groceries makes an impression because many people just
walk right by. Even someone who simply makes the effort to look us in the eye,
smile, and greet us properly when entering a room stands out of the crowd. It
seems these people carry with them the elegance and grace of another time, and
we are always thankful for our contact with them. Common courtesy is a small
gesture that makes a big difference.
An essential component of common
courtesy is awareness and common sense—looking outside yourself to see when
someone needs help or acknowledgment. As a courteous person, you are aware that
you are walking into a room full of people or that your waiter has arrived to
take your order. Then, awareness leads to action. It is usually quite clear what
needs to be done—open the door for the woman holding the baby, move your car up
two feet so another person can park behind you, acknowledge your sister’s shy
boyfriend with a smile and some conversation, apologize if you bump into
someone. A third component is to give courtesy freely, without expecting
anything in return. People may not even take notice, much less return the
kindness, but you can take heart in the fact that you are creating the kind of
world you want to live in with your actions.
When you are out in the
world, remember to be aware of others, lend your hand when one is needed, and
give this help without an ulterior motive. Through these small actions, you make
this world a better place in which to live.
DailyOM
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