Courtesy: 1. Demonstration or act that shows someone's attention, respect or affection for another person. (RAE)
A while ago, the supermarket line had many items, but the gentleman in the back had only one bouquet of roses and I let him in. He was very surprised and asked me several times if I was sure, and I smiled and said yes. After paying for the roses he took one out and gave it to me, so I was surprised.
That day I went away meditating on what we are capable of achieving with a simple gesture. I left thinking that we live so"self-absorbed" that what we have in mind is to be able to fulfill our commitments and we forget that everyone is trying to fulfill theirs as well. We forget that the cashier who is taking care of us is probably having a bad day and that's why she's not smiling, but we're not able to give her a smile either.
This is something I have learned from my husband, whom I admire so much. Sometimes we've been in situations where the other person is indisposed and he's with a"Don't work too hard!" or a"Good morning, a lot of work?" it changes the face and the situation turns in our favor. Believe me, it works, try it and you'll see.
We have to be polite to people, let's not get cold. If your neighbor didn't say good morning, don't take it personally, keep saying good morning. Say thank you, hold the door until the person behind you walks by, give your seat to someone, smile; these are courtesy gestures that cost nothing and make a big difference.
Work with what you can change, do your part and you will see that it will fill you with satisfaction.
