In our world of technology it is easy to be swept up in the conveniences of immediate information at our fingertips.
In the whirl of it being “normal” it is easy to become “Miss Rude” without realizing it. For instance, have you noticed how many people walk around, no matter what time of day or where they are, with two little buds in their ears? Many of us have created our own little bubble of sorts and if someone were to dare to say “hi” or smile at another in passing they either don’t hear or see and so don’t respond or they appear shocked and taken off guard and almost don’t know if or how to respond back. It can be fun to see the reactions but all in all we have forgotten the beauty of simple common courtesy.
What is common courtesy? Looking out for those around you, acknowledging and being mindful and considerate to those you are with. Let’s consider the cell phone world. Everyone has one…almost…it’s normal. I think I first began to realize how rude we can be with cell phones when I was visiting with someone and when their phone rang or beeped they responded immediately despite and in the midst of our face-to-face conversation. As I made note of the feeling of being “less important” or “boring” I realized I too had probably been doing the same thing to others without intending to. You see, we all have a natural desire to feel important, loved and even thought about and receiving a phone call or text provides reassurance for all three! The problem comes when our desire to be reassured of this is at the cost of the person or people we are with, in the same room or car. Isn’t the fact that they are with us deserving of credit, top priority and even common courtesy?
Tammy
