Monday, August 13, 2007

Does Nice Matter?

I was given the Nice Matters award over on my crafting blog today. It really made my day. It also got me thinking about the concept of "nice." I make a real effort to try and be nice to everyone. I don't always succeed. But I'm a firm believer that you get what you send out. Sometimes, I get a little frustrated, though.

Here are some of my top NOT NICE things that people do:

1) I always try to let other drivers in when they are trying to change lanes or make a difficult turn. It bugs me when people don't wave thanks. I know this seems silly but back in Texas, people always wave thanks. I think it's a nice way to acknowledge your fellow human beings. I have never seen someone wave thanks in California. Not once.

2) It really upsets me when I am walking out a door right behind someone and they drop it in my face. I always hold doors for people----men and women. I just think it's a respectful thing to do.

3) I really hate it when customers jabber on their cell phones when checking out in a store. I think it is really rude to the salesperson.

4) Maybe I'm just getting old but I don't like it when people are cursing loudly or sharing off-color jokes and stories in mixed company. Now, I have been known to cuss. And I have been known to tell a bawdy tale. But I try not to do those things around people I don't know. Because you never know when it might make someone uncomfortable.

5) When people are consistently late for things. I think it's important to try and be on time because it is a sign that you respect and value other people's time.

6) When people reveal the plot of stories and movies very early on. It just ruins it for everyone else.

Can you think of some things that are just NOT NICE? If so, leave a comment. I'd like to hear about them. I'll explore this issue more tomorrow.

6 comments:

Mamaof3 said...

I just ran across your blog and can relate to soo many of these things. I actually live in Texas...and the drivers here ARE pretty nice..even in a big area.

A pet peeve I have..or a not so nice thing...when people are screaming RUDELY at their children in stores. :( I have kids..it's hard sometimes..but come on...

Amy M. said...

hi Deanna!

OOOOO...that's a good one! That always bothers me too! Especially if I see them grab the kids or smack them. You start wondering if you should break that "rule" about not interfering with other people's children and say something!

Genevieve said...

I HATE when people are late and don't bother to call to tell you they're going to be late. it's like they think their time is more important than yours.

Now, if someone calls, and says they are running late but they will hurry to get there, if it's just a dinner or something often times I will say take your time, no rush. but if they don't call? i'll be furious by the time they get there.

I dislike also a lot of things having to do with blackberries/cell phones. Are you really so important you need to leave them out on the table during a meal? turn them on right away and check as soon as we leave a movie? Call people back while you're still with me? Check your blackberry during a film? have a very loud conversation in the middle of a quiet restaurant?

I could go on and on about that...

Amy M. said...

You're right, Vieve! That is not nice! I can't stand it when people jabber on their cell phones during a meal. Not only is it rude to the people you are with but since most individuals tend to talk louder on a cell phone, it bothers everyone around you!

Gary said...

One of our neighbors fired up his very loud gas lawnmower this morning at 7:00A and started mowing his lawn. 7:00! I was tempted to walk over there in my underwear and open a can on whoever that person was, but that probably wouldn't have been very nice.

Nyssaneala said...

I completely agree with you on 1 &2...both of those drive me nuts!!! If I accidentally close a door on someone behind me (I didn't realize they were there) I will actually turn around and apologize. I have never had anyone do that to me.

I've always been annoyed by seeing women who are pregnant and smoking. And people who don't give up their seats for the elderly or disabled (or for those who are 7 months pregnant and whose feet are killing me...ahem...me).