by Ginger Philbrick
While checking off a long list of ordinary errands in Kilmarnock the other day, I was reminded how special unexpected kindness can be. I was driving in my mid-size Honda sedan and came to the dead-end stop at School Street and Irvington Road.
There being two lanes, I chose the left one in order to get to Tri-Star before the caffeine-encouraged energy from my lunchtime coke ran out. Those of you who have been in that traffic position know that it is sometimes quite difficult from the left lane to see the traffic approaching from the right on Irvington Road and, conversely of course, from the left if you are in the right lane—if there is a vehicle beside you.
At this time, there was a steady stream of cars and trucks passing in front of me. Then, a minivan came up on my right side. Because it had been my experience many times before, I assumed the minivan would inch up as far as possible to make its right-hand turn, thereby blocking my view of oncoming traffic and making me unsure as to the safety of making a left turn. I was most pleasantly surprised and, perhaps, inordinately grateful when the minivan stopped before blocking my view and allowed me to clearly see when a safe left hand turn could be made. That small consideration on the other driver’s part made me feel respected, and it could well have increased others’ safety.
I immediately thought I would like to hear of other such small acts of kindness that you, my readers, experience. I’d like to know where you have found surprising respect or compassion. Whether you email me or tell me in person, I welcome your stories and, if you give me permission, will pass them on here. Keep your eyes and ears out for good things; they aren’t just at the corner of School Street and Irvington Road.
Ginger Philbrick is the owner of Because You Are Polite LLC. You are invited to email your manners questions to her and she will respond as time and space allow. You may contact her at youarepolite1@gmail.com
