Do You Lack Spatial Awareness or Self Awareness?

As I was leaving Starbucks yesterday morning, my hands full with coffee for myself and a co-worker, I reached the door at the same time as another woman, notably, with one hand completely free. She clearly had no intention to open the door for me, so I pushed the door open with my backside and then proceeded to hold the door open for her so she could come through. Though I was performing a juggling act in the process, it was really no inconvenience to brace the door open. On the flip side, it must have been a huge inconvenience for her to show appreciation for the fact that I did not take a step to the right and let the door take a crack at her. Not even a simple "Thanks." was uttered.

In my experience, Washington D.C. is by far the worst place to witness – or even fall victim to –these “random acts of rudeness”, but it is not the only place it happens. Nearly everywhere you go you see people letting doors swing shut in others' faces or bumping into others without saying “excuse me”. Don’t even get me started on the fact that nobody says “please” or “thank you” anymore. It is no secret that we’ve transitioned into a cutthroat, sink-or-swim society. However, I don’t believe that serves as justification for everyone to be a complete A-hole.

This city, for example, is filled with some of the most brilliant minds in the country, but, in my opinion, it is filled with some of the most clueless people in existence. After careful observation, I’ve noticed two characteristics that seem to be fairly consistent among the population: 1) People generally have no idea what is happening in their immediate surroundings, and 2) People never stop “checking” their smartphones - ironically, this seems to be a direct cause of observation #1.

But I think rudeness is more than a moment of, “Whoops! I didn’t see you.” That is purely an accident. It is your actions following that moment that define your character.

Trace back your steps yesterday. Did you take an extra second to glance back as you walked through a door, ensuring nobody was behind you? Did you turn around and accidentally bump into someone and apologize for doing so? Did you say “thank you” to the person that served you your coffee or lunch?

Make an effort to share kindness with those around you –strangers or acquaintances, friends or foes. You may not always be aware of others around you, but your attitude towards them is impressionable.

Politeness is contagious. Start a chain reaction.