Mar 16 2008
“Let That Car In, Honey”
Many people seem to think that in order to be considered an act of random kindness, it has to be something big or public, but I am here to say that isn’t the case. I thought of this post today while I was with my husband. On one of the busiest roads in the small city near here, there was a lady that had obviously been trying to get out of a gas station and back into traffic for quite some time.
I said to Tom, “Let that car in, Honey.” At which point, he reminded me that the traffic was horrendous. I simply said, “It is the nice thing to do, we aren’t in a hurry.” Of course, he let the car in because that is the type of person he tends to be. However, it got us talking about all the little chances we overlook to be nice in life. Life being life, he might not have even noticed that car if I hadn’t pointed it out.
So, don’t think globally or big, instead think of the little things you can do. If the wind blows the neighbors garbage can into the road and you have some time, pick it up and put it back on their curb. Maybe you notice someone struggling with their grocery cart in the wind or bad weather. Got a minute? Stop and help them if you are able. These little things will all add up to making the world a kinder and nice place. It will only happen with one act of random kindness at a time.
I like harming and hindering people randomly, for no reason, in small ways. I do it for personal entertainment. It costs me no energy and provides endless amusement. Road games are just one of the many ways you can do this. It’s especially fun to make a person miss his exit. I’ve become very adept at this, and if you do it right, it appears to the injured party that it’s a third car that’s at fault. Hard to explain.
It’s to my benefit that lots of other people be nice to others, so I applaud your running this article. But it’s not to my benefit to be nice to others, except in situations where I will see them again.
I’m not a blog commenter but I really enjoyed your post. Great post! Thanks!