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Pay It Forward - Random Acts of Courtesy

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Property, Inc.

Maybe I'm just becoming a feisty old geezer or what I've been noticing lately is that people just don't seem to be as aware of common courtesy as I remember they were from my past.  Back in the dark ages (1950s & 60s) when I was a kid my parents frequently said it doesn't cost me anything to say Please, Thank You, Your Welcome, to hold a door for someone, or to simply smile or wave to someone. This was common behavior back then. 

So this week I decided to make an effort to perform "Random Acts of Courtesy" and hope that it catches on.  It's truly surprising the responses I've received, in most cases they have been quite pleasant however there have been some real doozies like from the woman who was holding the infant in one arm and a box of pizza in the other trying to open her car door.  I pleasantly asked her if she'd like me to open the door for her, by the way this was mid-afternoon in the middle of town with lots of people passing by.  She looked at me as if I had bloody fangs and horns growing out of my head, she very abruptly said NO!  Last time I looked in the mirror that day there were no horns, no bloody fangs and the necktie I wore was neatly knotted. Hummm... I just toddled along on my way.

For the most part it has been a pleasure being courteous to others and their responses have been rewarding.  Perhaps if we all can just take a moment to perform a "Random act of Courtesy" during the day common courtesy might just catch on again and our world might just get a little more like the good old days we reminisce about.

John R. Crosby, Realtor & Appraiser
Real Property, Inc.
19 Linden St.
, Marblehead, MA  01945
781-479-4177  phone & fax
John@MoveWithCrosby.com

Comments(13)

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Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi John~  Those common courtesies are rare and far between!  You just keep on doing the right thing and most people appreciate it and will reciprocate!

Mar 13, 2011 04:18 PM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

As our society has evolved into the lightening-fast technology era, I think the reduced human interaction has caused us to develop a "lack of graces".

What you're stating above is VERY important in our society.

By doing just these simple things we can reduce violence, road rage, greed, and alot of other unwanted traits.

Thanks for the post.

Mar 13, 2011 04:20 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I am with you 100%..  I try to do some random acts of courtesy too!  It usually works, but there are always a few people who just don't get it or they are too paranoid... like your close encounter... how sad!

Mar 13, 2011 04:21 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Young people these days seem to be lacking in the common department.  Common sense, common courtesy.  But good for you.  And I still say please, thank you and you're welcome. And I'm a child of the 70s

Mar 13, 2011 04:21 PM
Peg Barcelo
Fluff My House! Home Staging Inc. 250.486.6369 - Summerland, BC
The FlufftasticStager from Summerland, BC

John, HAIL TO THE GEEZERS! It is amazing to me how please and thank you have left our vocabularies. I often, in the summer, ride my bike to gigs at the universtiy and on the way make a point to say 'good morning' to people I pass. 95% of the time they smile and say it back, but most are startled into the reply so I know they wouldn't have been the one to initiate it. I always end up with a huge grin (not so good if there are bugs) by the time I get to work because there has been a lot of GOOD in my 'good mornings'!

Mar 13, 2011 04:21 PM
P.J. Virgilio Jr., Realtor 408-568-6578 Selling homes in the Greater San Jose area and South through San Martin, Gilroy
Keller Williams Realty Silicon Valley - Gilroy, CA
San Juan Bautista and Hollister as well!

Amen to that John.... I agree and won't stop being the Gentleman our parents raised us to be.

Patrick

Mar 13, 2011 04:22 PM
Christopher Taylor
Corpus Christi, TX

It always amazes me when I take the time to hold the door open for someone how rarely they say thank you.  Oh well, will just keep trying.

Mar 13, 2011 04:25 PM
John Crosby
Real Property, Inc. - Marblehead, MA

Vickie, Ralph & Joan Thank You for your thoughtful responces!  I really doesn't even take an effort to be courteous.  You are so right Ralph the world really could be a better place if we all practiced common courtesy to one another.

Mar 13, 2011 04:26 PM
John Crosby
Real Property, Inc. - Marblehead, MA

Tammy, Thank You! I'm still a kid at heart and keep up the good work I'm sure your mom and dad would be proud!

Mar 13, 2011 04:29 PM
John Crosby
Real Property, Inc. - Marblehead, MA

Peg, Thank You! you are so right.  I often say Hi to people walking in my neighborhood while I'm walking my dog and they frequently look at me in disbelief then some of them say Hi.

Mar 13, 2011 04:32 PM
John Crosby
Real Property, Inc. - Marblehead, MA

Patrick, Right On Brother, mom and dad brought us up right, Thank You!

Mar 13, 2011 04:34 PM
John Crosby
Real Property, Inc. - Marblehead, MA

Christopher, The same thing happens to me when I hold a door for someone, however I always make sure to say Your Welcome to them... maybe they just forgot to say Thank You :-)

Mar 13, 2011 04:35 PM
Alan Kirkpatrick
Austin Texas Homes - Round Rock, TX
Alan in Austin

John Crosby 

You can never go wrong being kind. Hope you have a wonderful week. 

Jul 22, 2015 02:37 PM