As the train neared my station stop yesterday, I gathered my things and started to make my way to exit. There was a young woman sitting directly across the aisle from me who was also getting up. We both got to the aisle at the same time and after a brief pause I said “it’s okay, you can go ahead.” The woman never looked up at or even acknowledged me. She just made her way to the rear of the train. As I followed her down the aisle to the exit door, she dropped her umbrella and her car keys. I bent down to help her and handed her the umbrella. Again, she never looked up at or said anything to me. She just took her umbrella and turned on her heel to leave. I wanted to call out after her and say “you’re welcome!” but I thought better of it.
I always shake my head in disbelief at how many adults don’t say “Please” and “Thank You.” I know that we all encounter it every day. “Gimme that.” “Move it.” “Yep.” When did we all become so rude? Weren’t we taught when we were kids that there were “magic words” and when used, they could make amazing things happen? Why do people stop saying these words?
Image credit: Little Minnow Designs
