“Whatever happened to just being nice?”

I say this to Marco more times than I can count. What did happen?

Today while driving on the highway there was construction…(urgh it’s that time of year!)…and I let at the car infront of me merge in. No wave. Nothing. Not even a one flick wave. nada. What happened to waving a thank you to the person behind you who let you in?

Yesterday while shopping for sunglasses for Luca, I overheard two moms out shopping with their kids, gossiping (LOUDLY) about this poor lady at their church. I won’t go into all the details (which they talked about in length for the entire store to hear), but from the gist of it this woman had gone through a terrible event in her life and these two were bashing about how she should have gotten over it already, and how it was going to take her forever to lose those few extra pounds she had gained while in the process of dealing with the situation. Whatever happened to not judging others? Especially when in times of distress….when they need our support the most?!

Last week while grocery shopping I saw a mother with her three young children coming out of the store with numerous heavy bags in her arms, while trying to keep her kids close. The man ahead of her, opens the door, and just lets it go. Just like that. It slammed in her face. What happened to checking behind you before leaving a buidling to make sure no one was right behind you…especially someone like this mom who looked like she needed a break!

It’s my biggest pet peeve in life. That some people aren’t able to bite their tongues, take that extra few minutes of their time, make that small gesture and just be nice. You never know, your nice action today could be remembered and passed along to someone else. Why not go out of your way to be nice to others?

It’s the biggest reason why I LOVE our move to Chilliwack so much. Chilliwack still has that small town vibe…just last week while walking to the mailbox (which is ONE block away) I passed EIGHT people, yes 8. Out for a walk, walking their dogs, out with their kids. And EVERY SINGLE PERSON said hello, two even started a conversation. I just love that small town, happy, simpler way of life. That sit on your back patio starting at the trees and mountains kind of feel. That feeling that everyone is your neigbour…that feeling that you can leave your front door unlocked (okay maybe not, I watch too much Criminal Minds to ever do that!!!)

So maybe I am old fashioned, maybe I am a bit cheesy, but I honestly believe that being nice to others is one of the best things you can do. Going out of your way to make anothers life happier, fuller, more meaningful. Personally, I would much rather be remembered by that Mom as the nice man who opened the door for me and  helped me carry my bags to the car, than the jerk who slammed the door in my face…

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