Can't we all just be nice?

Can't we all just be nice?

I now understand a little more why some parents just can't understand why their kids are so rude to teachers and others around them.  Lena and I went to visit my family last week, and went to a little league baseball game to watch my nephews play.  The 'team' mom who was keeping score on 'our' side was also the person keeping the batting order, and telling the kids who was up next and who needed to get ready.  Now, most of us would picture a team mom as being someone very patient, kind, and sensitive.  This woman was none of those things.  She did not once get up off her perch on an overturned bucket, screaming out the boys' names while not even turning to look and see who she was talking to.  There are two Max's on the team, one of them my nephew, and when my nephew very calmly went up to ask her who was up next, she kept screaming at him that Max was next, but not him... how was he supposed to know?  This woman's children (not on the team) were also at the park, and running around with other kids playing.  She just kept screaming at her daughter to bring her something to drink, where's my phone, put on your shoes.  It went on and on.  My mom, brother, and I chuckled to ourselves as we walked away... and now I know why some kids are so rude to others.  And why teachers do actually have to teach kids how to be kind and gentle to others.  Can't we all just be nice?

While walking at the RiverWalk in Mishawaka (a very nice, wide, paved path for walkers and bikers right along the river), almost everyone that you meet or that passes you says some sort of greeting.  My friend and her mom were walking with me the other day, and they were both marveling at the thought that people would actually greet one another while walking by.  Is this really just a "small town" thing, as they both seemed to think, or does it have more to do with the fact that we were all sweaty and gross in public?  Can't we all just be nice?

I have noticed that I am apparently the only person in Wal-Mart to ever say 'hello' or 'excuse me' to people that I don't know (besides the greeter, that's her job).  I always get strange, sometimes dirty, looks from strangers when I actually say something nice to them.  Although, when I have Lena with me, people are more friendly (for the most part).  I guess the baby is the universal equalizer.

Can't we all just be nice?

I know, I know... those of you that actually know me well will say that I am being a bit of a hypocrite here, and that I have been known to not be so nice to everyone.  I'm working on it.  Part of my working on it is thinking (and writing) more about places and situations where I could be nicer to others, and acting in a better way.  Trying to remember the 'Golden Rule' and treat people the way I want to be treated.

Can't we all just be nice?