I know that I have explained that I am writing this blog as a way to keep a positive attitude. I know it is working because one of my coworkers complimented me and told me I looked great. She said it was probably because I looked happy.
Sounds good to me.
The only problem that I have is that I am a rather cynical person who doesn’t always see good in people. I see the good and support nature of many people here in my WordPress family, but not as often in my coworkers and even more rarely in my fellow commuters. I get frustrated at my fellow bus passengers because they are loud, obnoxious, unaware that their backpacks come so close to smacking people in the head, oblivious to the fact that their music is bleeding out of their headphones, and that everyone tries to take up two seats with a variety of strategies.
Today I saw something different. Today, on multiple occasions, several of my fellow commuters offered up their seats to senior citizens. The bus was particularly crowded and giving up your seat meant that you might have to balance precariously and not even have the possibility of a handhold. At best, you might have some high school kids to break your fall.
I like to think of Canadians and New Canadians as polite people, but like all people growing older, I tend to think that “things were better in my day”. I am not sure when my day actually refers to, but it seems to be one of those sentences you grow into as you get older.
So, for the time being at least, my faith in the kindness of others is somewhat restored.
In Ireland, upon arrival at the bus stop, everybody thanks the driver. My cousins, visiting from Spain, laughed to see a steady stream of people one after another saying “Thanks” “Thank you” “Cheers” “Ta” “Thanks” “Thanks” “Cheers” until everyone was off the bus. They thought it sounded ridiculous. I actually cannot alight from a bus without thanking the driver, although in Germany this made me a social pariah when I had to yell it across the bus in front of many stony-faced commuters….
Haha I remember the first time I boarded a bus that had a rear door to exit, I was so confused about how I would thank the driver, I got of the bus then ran to the front of the bus to give him a wave!
Ireland was already a plan on my cycling itinerary. Now, even more so.
Whenever I exit the bus at the doors nearest the driver (my bus has 3 different doors) I always thank the driver and wish them a good night or day. I don’t think that is strange.
I used to make a point of it. I only started doing it late when one of the bus drivers acted very stone faced to me. The fact that I had a bit of a crush on her (her style could only be described as business punk) didn’t make matters any better.
I love when random acts like this restore your faith in humanity!! Sometimes I miss commuting by bus!
Based on some of the looks I get on my bus, I am not sure many people would echo your sentiment about missing the bus commute. I, however, understand it. If I drove to work, I would have very little time to read.
Of course, I wish I could cycle to work.
Yeeeeegh!!! That sounds horrific!
Ignore that last reply that was meant for someone else and I clearly have had too much coffee today and can’t operate a computer!!!
I miss the people watching on the bus, driving commutes are a bit lonely, I’m with you on the cycling, except I’d rather run!
Today, we had an interesting cast of characters; including a woman who had some issues that I am unable to diagnose. Swearing, shouting and colourful gestures….oh well.
Oh yeah actually I don’t miss those ones!!
I have always said thank you, smiled and wished a good day to anyone that is in the service end of business. To get a smile back from someone that looks like they are mad at the world is a very rewarding experience. I’m glad your faith in humanity is restored Anthony. It s so nice to see you enjoying life to the fullest. Barb
Thanks Barb.
“So, for the time being at least, my faith in the kindness of others is somewhat restored.” — It’ll pass.
There will always be someone to disappoint me true. However, that is why it was Thursday’s Perfect Moment rather than January’s Perfect Moment. You can only take what they give you.