restore politeness, refinement, tact and other old-fashioned niceties

I took a Greyhound home from Boston this morning. There was a long line to get on the bus, and most people were in a sleepy dazy not noticing anyone else kind of state. When I got to the ticket-taker/bus driver, I said hello (with a smile) and asked him how he was. It took him a moment to respond. I don’t think he gets that very often (which is a sad thing). (He was doing well) And he gave me a half smile.

His name was Charlie. Is Charlie.

Always treat your bus drivers well. =)

I’ve started asking people for ideas of how people can “just be nice” to each other- suggestions that could help… and I will be recording answers here as I ask.

“Every single time that you pass someone that you don’t know, you stop and talk to them for two minutes.”

“Every day at dinnertime you go around the table and each person says three positive things that happened that day.”

an article about always leaving things better than when you arrived.

Here it is. It’s from helpothers.org [a wonderful newsletter, BTW]

Comment of the Week:

“I have been practicing random acts of kindness for many years because of the warm glow it gives me. Strong in the belief that small seemingly insignificant acts of kindness can do amazing things. As a child I learned a lesson from my father. We would go on camping trips. Sleeping in a tent and fishing on the riverbank. That sort of thing. When we would get ready to leave he would always tell us kids to clean up the camp-site better than we found it. We often found good camp sites that were totally trashed by those who came before us. We would not only clean the site up but leave some firewood stacked up for the next visitors who might arrive late in the evening and really appreciate it. As I am a traveler in life, so I try always to leave a community better than I found it.”—sorrynogood

I found this to be a powerful statement. That’s what I’m going to strive for. I was just doing some baking and that story came to my mind… so I cleaned the counters when I was done and did all the dishes that were there [even the ones that weren’t mine]. I think this is one of those things that won’t often be noticed, because its easier to notice when the house is dirty or when things don’t work, but.. I guess we’ll see.

Woo!

I was at the grocery store today getting some bread.

I put my items on the conveyer belt and asked the cashier how she was doing [just like I always do] and she said good and asked how I was doing.

As I was leaving, she smiled and told me to have a great night. I smiled back and said, thanks, take care. She told me to take care as well.

I was just struck by how nice and polite she was. I even got a genuine smile. I sure did appreciate it. I always ask clerks how they’re doing, but they don’t usually respond as positively as she did.

Sincere compliments, to friends, family, and strangers.

Smile at people. Genuine smiles.

Hold the door for the person behind you.

Store clerks. Smile and day hello. Ask how they’re doing. AND listen to their response.

Listen when others talk to you. Give them your complete attention. [Never ask a question that you don’t plan on listening to the answer of.]

Cultivate patience within yourself.

Always be genuine. Always be honest.

I say please and thank you and hold doors for people… And when the cashiers have name tags on, I look them in the eye, smile and say “Thanks! Have a nice day!” But I just know there’s more to politeness and niceties than just that.

How can I improve….