Why can't common sense and good will be more, well, common?

[MrSunshine]

I think people in the world just need more Valium. It's a cure all for every type of assholeyism.

[Andrew, Jr.]

It reminds me of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life".

Some people are happy being evil, nasty, miserable, and mean. I say find joy in life.

Love,
Andrew

[Diva]

Originally Posted by Deadyboy

I think people in the world just need more Valium. It's a cure all for every type of assholeyism.

Yes, I agree.....perhaps cranky assholettes should be issued a valium drip for various levels of asshattery.....

The more one shows their ass, the bigger & more frequent the drip.

[NJFemmie]

So, I had to get the oil changed on my car today... had my coupon in my pocket and was ready to go. I go to pull out said coupon to give them a call before I left work - and behold - I lost my damn coupon. So ... I jumped online, found their site and printed two new ones ... thinking Mare needs to get Her truck done too.

I walk into the place and it's just me, and two other men. The older gentleman sat next to the younger one and stirred up a conversation. Turns out the old fella had a bunch of different coupons and gave the guy one for his tire change.

Old fella sits next to me and asks "so ... what are you in for?" After a slight chuckle I reply - "oil change". He says "oh, that's what I am getting done, sorry I only have one coupon for that...." I had my own, it was all good.

I reach in my pocket and hand him my $10 off coupon to replace his $7 off one. Hey, three bucks is three bucks. He was kind enough to share what he had - and you don't see that kind of kindness too often anymore. And ... maybe he can hand his $7 off coupon to someone that doesn't have one.

Reminded me that good will is not long gone, it merely gets lost in the shuffle. It takes the action of one to create a snowball effect.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by NJFemmie

So, I had to get the oil changed on my car today... had my coupon in my pocket and was ready to go. I go to pull out said coupon to give them a call before I left work - and behold - I lost my damn coupon. So ... I jumped online, found their site and printed two new ones ... thinking Mare needs to get Her truck done too.

I walk into the place and it's just me, and two other men. The older gentleman sat next to the younger one and stirred up a conversation. Turns out the old fella had a bunch of different coupons and gave the guy one for his tire change.

Old fella sits next to me and asks "so ... what are you in for?" After a slight chuckle I reply - "oil change". He says "oh, that's what I am getting done, sorry I only have one coupon for that...." I had my own, it was all good.

I reach in my pocket and hand him my $10 off coupon to replace his $7 off one. Hey, three bucks is three bucks. He was kind enough to share what he had - and you don't see that kind of kindness too often anymore. And ... maybe he can hand his $7 off coupon to someone that doesn't have one.

Reminded me that good will is not long gone, it merely gets lost in the shuffle. It takes the action of one to create a snowball effect.

This made me happy and I didn't even GET a coupon, whether $7 off or $10!

[Jet]

people are crazy and things are getting crazier

[Andrew, Jr.]

I believe in paying it forward, but people are just too sick or crazy nowadays to even do that. Heck, good samaritans are no longer even thinking of being good samaritans any longer. It's sad. Times sure have changed, and not for the better imho.

Personally, I think everyone should volunteer at Christmas or Thanksgiving. And involve homeless children. It opens up hearts and minds.

[SassyLeo]

Originally Posted by NJFemmie

So, I had to get the oil changed on my car today... had my coupon in my pocket and was ready to go. I go to pull out said coupon to give them a call before I left work - and behold - I lost my damn coupon. So ... I jumped online, found their site and printed two new ones ... thinking Mare needs to get Her truck done too.

I walk into the place and it's just me, and two other men. The older gentleman sat next to the younger one and stirred up a conversation. Turns out the old fella had a bunch of different coupons and gave the guy one for his tire change.

Old fella sits next to me and asks "so ... what are you in for?" After a slight chuckle I reply - "oil change". He says "oh, that's what I am getting done, sorry I only have one coupon for that...." I had my own, it was all good.

I reach in my pocket and hand him my $10 off coupon to replace his $7 off one. Hey, three bucks is three bucks. He was kind enough to share what he had - and you don't see that kind of kindness too often anymore. And ... maybe he can hand his $7 off coupon to someone that doesn't have one.

Reminded me that good will is not long gone, it merely gets lost in the shuffle. It takes the action of one to create a snowball effect.

I was buying cat food the other day and realized the coupon I had was for the xlarge bag and I only needed the small bag. There was a guy buying the same food as I was in the xlarge bag, so I offered it to him. He said sure and thanked me. $3 is $3!

[Vlasta]

I really must be getting old or ancient . I used to be pissy about a lot of things . For example, I do have a long commute to work and to a school . Not actually so much mileage , but insanity of the Atlanta traffic . I am always trying to beat a time to get to school or work .

Sometimes , I have some slow driver in the front of me . First, I suddenly start thinking come on and then immediately I am thinking what if this person is elderly , not feeling good or have something bad happen at home , a sick family member or whatever ?

Also , I don't think out there are so many people they are crazy , but time we are living in right now are crazy . People lost they jobs , houses in foreclosures , how to place food on table for family and much more .I feel people are so preoccupied with a basic needs right now that for some it's hard to overcome they stresses . By no means I am not saying it's ok to be rude and not to have a common courtesy to others , but a little understanding goes a long way too . ... just my opinion .

[Duchess]

Originally Posted by Deadyboy

I think people in the world just need more Valium. It's a cure all for every type of assholeyism.

With a Seroquel chaser..

Seriously, this thread is definitely food for thought. I do agree Linus that patience, politeness and good cheer can go a long way. Why stress over things we have absolutely no control over?


Duchess

[Rockinonahigh]

Good old fashion politeness is something not seen much these days with ppl in such a hurry to go hear and there.My grannie whould haunt me with threats of a good swating with a pecan tree switch if I was rude to anybody.I honestly am not shure ppl are taught maners like they use to..the world is just needing a hugh dose of prozack.
Rockin

[Diva]

I went to the store tonight....and in front of me was a woman buying Christmas for her child/children......her card didn't work. She was in tears.....

And it was a card of a friend and she couldn't remember the pin number. And then couldn't reach the friend.

I would have given ANYthing to have been able to afford to buy her stuff for her.......however, having been out of a job myself (my little private school closed and let us all go), I couldn't do it. I don't have small children anymore.....my daughter's getting Spaghettio's and chocolate! lol (And she's happy!)

I felt her pain and hated that I was helpless to do anything for her.

[NJFemmie]

Originally Posted by Duchess

Why stress over things we have absolutely no control over?

I say this ALL the time. But there are times where one can feel and understand the frustration.

Originally Posted by SassyLeo

I was buying cat food the other day and realized the coupon I had was for the xlarge bag and I only needed the small bag. There was a guy buying the same food as I was in the xlarge bag, so I offered it to him. He said sure and thanked me. $3 is $3!

Right on! lol ... It's the simple gestures in life that really make a difference.

Originally Posted by Gemme

This made me happy and I didn't even GET a coupon, whether $7 off or $10!

Ever try to do something nice for someone and all you get is a nasty or negative response back? It's happened to me many times, and it makes me want to feel that it isn't even worth the effort to try and be nice to people.

I think it's all about response. If people were just a little more receptive in a positive way ... the negativity wouldn't be so contagious.

[Diva]

Originally Posted by NJFemmie

Ever try to do something nice for someone and all you get is a nasty or negative response back? It's happened to me many times, and it makes me want to feel that it isn't even worth the effort to try and be nice to people.

I think it's all about response. If people were just a little more receptive in a positive way ... the negativity wouldn't be so contagious.

Perhaps they were embarrassed.....I know that there is a certain amount of pride involved when asking for help. I hate having to ask for help myself. H~A~T~E I~T.

So if You offer help to someone who doesn't know You, perhaps it's the pride speaking, and not their heart at all.

It's worth the effort, NYJ, I know You know this......because someday, You're gonna try that one more time, and be welcomed with tears of thankfulness.

[NJFemmie]

Originally Posted by Diva

Perhaps they were embarrassed.....I know that there is a certain amount of pride involved when asking for help. I hate having to ask for help myself. H~A~T~E I~T.

So if You offer help to someone who doesn't know You, perhaps it's the pride speaking, and not their heart at all.

It's worth the effort, NYJ, I know You know this......because someday, You're gonna try that one more time, and be welcomed with tears of thankfulness.

I can understand that - and usually that is the first thought that pops into my head. I hate asking for help, or being put in a position where I NEED help. It's an uncomfy feeling, yes.

*smile* I still do it no matter how they respond to it. It makes ME feel good inside. I usually get the looks, and I just ignore it.

But some days... people just make me wanna go on their ass! lol

[Semantics]

I've noticed something a little different this year.

As someone who works a lot with social service agencies, I've found that people coming in and asking for help are especially grateful and humble this year in comparison to past years.

[Rockinonahigh]

Last week I was at the grosery store and this young couple was in the check out line,both looked like they hadnt had a meal in a while,the fue things they bought wouldnt last long.Ya know we all have had times we were short of cash and done with less..anyway they paid for the thigs they bought and left..I felt for them big time.As I was going to my car I noticed them siting in there car eating what they bought,looked like they were liveing in it as well..u know we all should put the buggy back in the place its suposed to go,so made a round about trip to do that wich took me past there car..I had a 50 in my pocket and was headed to the pool hall for the night..well its a woinderful thing to walk past someones car and find a 50 laying on the pavement next to it..I knocked on the window ..hey man u droped this,u must have its next to your car,it shure isnt mine.I didnt give them time to say much..I gave it to them and walked away.people would say im nuts to do this but I could help and I did..it did more for me than u will know to help.
Rockin

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by NJFemmie

I say this ALL the time. But there are times where one can feel and understand the frustration.

Right on! lol ... It's the simple gestures in life that really make a difference.

Ever try to do something nice for someone and all you get is a nasty or negative response back? It's happened to me many times, and it makes me want to feel that it isn't even worth the effort to try and be nice to people.

I think it's all about response. If people were just a little more receptive in a positive way ... the negativity wouldn't be so contagious.

I've had this happen too. Some people just aren't receptive, no matter the gesture.

Originally Posted by Diva

Perhaps they were embarrassed.....I know that there is a certain amount of pride involved when asking for help. I hate having to ask for help myself. H~A~T~E I~T.

So if You offer help to someone who doesn't know You, perhaps it's the pride speaking, and not their heart at all.

It's worth the effort, NYJ, I know You know this......because someday, You're gonna try that one more time, and be welcomed with tears of thankfulness.

It depends upon what's being offered/taken and where it is, I think. People in the South seem to look down upon gestures that would be deemed 'charity' but are more open at giving and receiving gestures that would be considered 'good manners'. Up here, I've found that there's nowhere near the stigma associated with shopping at Goodwill, going to the food bank, etc. However, the level of common courtesy ebbs and flows more up here. There are a lot of transplants up here and that's where most of the juice in my kindness meter comes from. So, they are more tolerant up here but less nice.

*shrug*

[Shystonefem]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Last week I was at the grosery store and this young couple was in the check out line,both looked like they hadnt had a meal in a while,the fue things they bought wouldnt last long.Ya know we all have had times we were short of cash and done with less..anyway they paid for the thigs they bought and left..I felt for them big time.As I was going to my car I noticed them siting in there car eating what they bought,looked like they were liveing in it as well..u know we all should put the buggy back in the place its suposed to go,so made a round about trip to do that wich took me past there car..I had a 50 in my pocket and was headed to the pool hall for the night..well its a woinderful thing to walk past someones car and find a 50 laying on the pavement next to it..I knocked on the window ..hey man u droped this,u must have its next to your car,it shure isnt mine.I didnt give them time to say much..I gave it to them and walked away.people would say im nuts to do this but I could help and I did..it did more for me than u will know to help.
Rockin

You are definitely NOT nuts.... that was awesome.

[homoe]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Last week I was at the grosery store and this young couple was in the check out line,both looked like they hadnt had a meal in a while,the fue things they bought wouldnt last long.Ya know we all have had times we were short of cash and done with less..anyway they paid for the thigs they bought and left..I felt for them big time.As I was going to my car I noticed them siting in there car eating what they bought,looked like they were liveing in it as well..u know we all should put the buggy back in the place its suposed to go,so made a round about trip to do that wich took me past there car..I had a 50 in my pocket and was headed to the pool hall for the night..well its a woinderful thing to walk past someones car and find a 50 laying on the pavement next to it..I knocked on the window ..hey man u droped this,u must have its next to your car,it shure isnt mine.I didnt give them time to say much..I gave it to them and walked away.people would say im nuts to do this but I could help and I did..it did more for me than u will know to help.
Rockin