Courteous
Adjective (via Wiktionary)
courteous (comparative more courteous, superlative most courteous)
- Showing regard or thought for others; especially, displaying good manners or etiquette.
- a courteous gentleman
- a courteous gesture
When did we become so wrapped up in our own little technology filled worlds that we forgot the simple act of courtesy?
The other day I approached a door, I was pushing my stroller, I was carrying a bag, and I was trying to open the door. While I was in the process of trying to fit through the door, a lady pushed through the other door, and just kept going.
{WHAT THE?}
Really, would it have taken more than a moment to hold it open for me?
Or the last time I traveled with my toddler home to Minnesota. When I tried to get my toddler, car seat, diaper bag, and carry-on all down that darn skinny aisle, and not one person offered help. And people clearly noticed I was struggling.
The plane was one the ground, it wasn’t like they were going anywhere. But still no kind gestures to help.
People push through to scramble on to an elevators or buses not waiting for those who are on to get off first.
Please, Thank You, and Excuse Me, have been replaced by scowls, grunts, and Douchebaggery.
Douchebaggery
Noun (via Wiktionary)
douchebaggery (plural douchebaggeries)
We take time to tweet, Facebook, and text while on the go, and so often we choose not to see an opportunity to do one simple act of kindness or courtesy a day.
Next time you are out, whether with friends, family, or total strangers; take the time to ask, offer, listen, or notice that one person around you that could really use a bit of Common Courtesy.
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I’m right there with ya! Your post reminded me of something that happened to me, so I thought I’d share. I was heading back to MN from TX when my friend pointed out how much easier it would be if I just used curbside check-in, since I was traveling along with my toddler, a car seat, stroller, two suitcases, a carry-on AND was 7 months pregnant. So while I was in the middle of giving my friend a hug goodbye, the guy who checked my bag announces, “Yeah, tips aren’t required but are GREATLY appreciated.” in a rude manner.
Ummm…what is wrong with people?
Common courtesy seems to be fading…and fast. I guess all we can do is be the better person in moments like these. (I know, not an easy task sometimes!)
I agree with you 100%. I am exceedingly nice and polite in public. (Unless someone gets me started on some sort of terror streak at work, then I’m a shrieking howler monkey.) I think you just sparked a blog post for me.
I am constantly appalled at how rude people are, in the grocery store, department stores, and ESPECIALLY the mall, when they can plainly see that you have a child/children. My biggest pet peeve is when you are pushing a large stroller with two kids and people coming from the opposite direction will not get out of your way. Apparently there is an unwritten rule I had not been aware of, that states people with big strollers and kids need to move out of the way of everyone else, even if you have to weave through a crowd. Back in my day (I’m only 29!) people respected adults, each other, and above all elders and young children! My second biggest pet peeve is when I, or my husband has to open our own door going into a building, all while pushing a stroller or cart. Heaven forbid someone hold a door!
I completely feel you on this and unfortunately I’ve encountered a lot of rude people so I think about this often. It’s such a shame some people have no common courtesy. Recently when I was leaving the hospital with my newborn and husband, we almost had the elevator doors close on us because some jerk was in a rush and kept hitting the “door close” button while we were stepping onto the elevator. =/ I feel like you’re more likely to encounter “common douchebaggery” in busier cities then in more rural/less populated areas. I haven’t traveled out of state much (NJ) but I have visited rural areas in Pennsylvania and found that people there are so kind, friendly, and incredibly courteous. Such a difference from what I’m used to!
So aggrivating that I have to agree. People are just not nice to each other in person anymore. I have had almost the exact same thing happen to me with the stroller before, very frustrating!
But a good reminder to me to take the time to be courteous to others!
I get people at the grocery store literally pushing their carts into my body, when I’m standing at the check out. At first, I could feel my blood boil, wanting to shove that cart back, but now I just turn and smile, making sure they see that I’ve noticed their cart in my body, and then really slow down, talking to the cashier, taking my time punching in the commands on the little machine… It’s the ultimate revenge on them, and they just squirm and squirm waiting for me to finish!
This really hits home! I see it here in Vegas all the time, too! People aren’t paying attention to the world around them (usually because they are on the phone, texting, etc.) and they end up doing douchebaggy things. Others think society owes them something and are rude for spite. Some are just downright oblivious because no one taught them how to treat others with respect and courtesy. I think it starts at home – teach your kids.
My Dad always pulled me out of the way of traffic in busy aisles at stores and such when I’d stop like an idiot right smack in the middle. He’d say “you don’t park on the freeway!” Thus, I always remember that. I’m always trying to make sure I’m not impeding anyone else when I’m out and about. And I make sure to smile, hold doors open, and help people – it’s become second nature. My parents planted that seed and nurtured it.
Oh my gosh! How true is this?!
Last week, I held the door for an old couple at the mall, and they looked shocked. That’s a shame.
I ALWAYS make my kids offer to help those who are struggling. (Moms, older people)
And along with your Douchebaggery, have you ever extended courtesy and not even received a smile or thank you in return???