Most weeks, I work from home on Mondays and Fridays and go to our biggest customer's office from Tuesday to Thursday. To get there and back, I take the train, changing lines half way through. When everything goes according to schedule, I never spend more than 10 minutes on either train, which is why I never look for a seat but remain standing near the door. There's plenty of time to sit down for the rest of the day, when I am at my desk, in the canteen for lunch or in a meeting.
Yesterday on my way home, while I was waiting for my train I blew my nose. This often ends with a nosebleed (always on the left side), and the same happened yesterday. It did not worry me because it usually stops quickly enough, and I know I could simply have the weak blood vessel responsible for the frequent bleeding dealt with at the surgery, but so far, I've not done anything about it.
Of course I never travel without tissues, and so I held one to my nose and got on the train like that.
The bleeding had as good as stopped by the time I had to change trains, but just to make sure I really wouldn't be dripping blood on my smart business outfit, I still kept the tissue to my nose on the second train.
That second train was unusually packed for the time of the day, and there were no seats (not that I wanted one) and no standing up space available near the door.
So I walked a bit further into the carriage and stood where I could hold on to a handrail with one hand, the other hand still clutching the slightly bloody tissue.
A young man looked at me for a moment, then offered me his seat. I thanked him but declined the offer, giving him what I hope was a reassuring smile and saying that I was alright.
It was such an unexpected act of kindness; I hardly ever witness anyone offering a seat to someone on the train, and I certainly did not take this gesture for granted - you can tell I find it worth mentioning here on my blog.
This morning, someone else was on the receiving end of a (very) small act of kindness - this time from me.
I was on my way to another customer and had 10 minutes to spare at the station. A woman had trouble using the ticket machine, so I helped her. I still had plenty of time to get my own ticket, but a couple behind me obviously was in a bit of a hurry. Although it would have been my turn now, I told them to go ahead of me and buy their ticket. They were very surprised and thanked me profusely. I admit I would have never done it had I not had time to spare, so I don't think I was really that kind - I didn't sacrifice anything, unlike the young man yesterday who was ready to give up his seat for me.
Makes me think, stuff like that.
Small gestures can mean a lot and as you point out, cost you nothing. They oil society and keep it running smoothly. What I like is that the young man is that he actually noticed you might appreciate a seat. He wasnt wrapped up in his phone ignoring life around him....but saw and had the manners to offer. Refreshing :)
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Fi... most people (myself included) read or faff with their mobiles while on the train. I only look out of the window when I travel an unfamiliar route.
DeleteUnfortunately it's hard to find young men like this, how nice of him.
ReplyDeleteFor a split second there I thought "Do I look that old?" :-)
DeleteBut then I realized he must have spotted the blood stains on the hanky.
Small acts of kindness definitely brighten my day, whether I receive or give the kindness. What a nice young man to offer you his seat.
ReplyDeleteIt was very nice, wasn't it!
DeleteIf only people realized that small acts of kindness - or even a bright smile and a "hello" - do wonders for their own esteem. Probably even more so than the receiving person. In my opinion, of course.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, and I often think that when I encounter people who do their jobs grumpily. Their day would pass a lot nicer if they could bring themselves to smile behind their counters, not just the customer's.
DeleteIt's good to mention this on a post. Kindness is a very good thing and it costs nothing.
ReplyDeleteNot wanting to sound like your Mum, but please, go and get that nosebleed checked out, okay?
I had it looked at when I was ill a few weeks ago and went to a doctor specialized on the whole breathing apparatus and interconnected organs (ears, nose, throat). He said he could do something about it but not while I was in the middle of that heavy cold. All I need to do is make another appointment there... But sometimes there is no bleeding for many weeks, and I conveniently forget about it :-)
DeleteI think we must live in a kind part of the world, for these small acts are by no,means unusual. The most memorable was the man who paid the £60 for my petrol as I'd left my money at home, and was a long way away from anywhere I could get any. Naturally a cheque was in the post to him as soon as possible, and he actually phoned to thank me when it arrived.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed, Frances - I don't think I'd give so much money to an unknown person. What a kind, generous man!
DeleteIt made me feel very happy this morning to read this post. I think such kindnesses make us all feel better about our world and inspire us to "pay it forward" when we receive them which makes the world better and better. Well done!
ReplyDeleteGlad this made a good start to your day, Krisit. I really wish it was true about the world becoming better and better.
DeleteI think it may be a generational thing but as a young man I would automatically have offered a lady my seat. Of course if I were to do that now (if I were a young man which, of course, I'm far from being) I would probably be labelled as anti-feminist or politically incorrect. I have been the beneficiary of random acts of kindness on many occasions and always try an reciprocate. As one member of Blogland who helped me out a few years ago said at the time "what goes around comes around".
ReplyDeleteNo man who does anything gentleman-like (or even simply kind, regardless of either our sexes) towards will ever be accused by me of being anti-feminist or not PC. But then of course I have never been a feminist myself...
DeleteYour friend who helped you is so right with that statement.
When my Mum read this post she said that she often witnesses people offering their seats to others on the bus. But that's the bus and not the train, and it is not at times when people travel to and from work or school...