It’s safe to say that sometimes we are just fast forwarding through our lives and not thinking about how simple actions might affect others. Sadly, being courteous and considerate of others isn’t always a person’s first thought when they are more concerned with themselves and getting what they want. Here are few things we all do that we may not realize are affecting others:
1. Talking on speaker phone or face time without headphones
No one wants to hear your entire conversation or fight with your significant other. Plug in your headphones to be courteous to those around you. It’s also respectful to who you are talking on the phone with because they probably don’t want others to hear what they are saying and confiding in you about.
2. Standing in the middle of the sidewalk talking to your friends
Obviously you want to talk to your friend about your day/life, but be aware of those around you trying to get somewhere. Standing in the middle of the sidewalk, talking to your friends when someone comes in your direction is annoying and rude, and it takes nothing to just scoot out of the way.
3. Blasting loud music in a dorm or an apartment building
It’s never a bad idea to jam out to your favorite music, but consider your neighbors and roommates before you do so. Your neighbors or roommates could be studying, doing homework, have a headache or be trying to take a nap after a long day.
4. Showing up late to an important event without informing someone
Hopefully planning ahead can prevent you from missing or running late to an event, but sometimes life is too chaotic even with planning. If you know you are going to be late to an event for a job, internship or organization, let someone know ahead of time. Showing up late without informing someone looks poor on you and the company you are working for.
5. Walking slow without giving the person behind you room to go around
It’s fine that you’re not in a hurry and want to appreciate the weather, or that you’re texting your friend back about something important, but be mindful of those walking in a hurry. Give those fast walkers room to walk around you so they can be on their way.
6. Getting really close to someone unintentionally without saying excuse me
Personal space is a sacred thing for most people. If it’s crowded or there’s no way you can’t get around a person without coming in close contact with them, make sure you say excuse me. Not excusing yourself is rude and makes you seem like a snooty person.
7. Doing a horrible parking job because you’re in a hurry
Obviously there are cases where you can park horribly like emergencies, but if you’re just in a rush to get food before your favorite restaurant closes, fix your parking. Parking outside of the lines, realizing you did so, and not fixing it just makes parking worse for everyone else and increases the chance of your car getting hit.
8. Forgetting to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Being in close quarters with other students, getting sick is unavoidable. Showing up to class when you should clearly be in bed is bad enough, but at least cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze so you don’t make others as miserable as you.
9. Speaking with a mouth full of food
No one wants to see your meal being chewed while you’re talking to them, whatever you have to say, it can wait. Use your table manners and wait to speak when you don’t have a mouthful of delicious food.
10. Leaving behind your messes
Leaving your mess behind for your roommates, family, or others makes you look like a slob. Don’t just leave a mess somewhere and say “eh someone else will clean it,” take responsibility and make things spic and span.
11. Staring and pointing at people
Pointing and staring at people in public with your friends might seem harmless at times, but think about being in that person’s shoes. Getting pointed, stared and laughed at makes people feel insecure and self-conscious and no one likes to feel like that.
12. Not saying please and thank-you
It’s as simple as can be but it goes a long way. Say please while ordering or requesting something, and thank-you when you receive your order/service or when someone does something nice for you. It’s the most straightforward and easiest way to show your gratitude.
13. Checking your phone when someone is talking with you
When someone is speaking with you, keep your attention on them, they are speaking to you for a reason. If it’s a text or call that you must answer, excuse yourself, but don’t just pull your phone out in a conversation and totally ignore what someone is saying to you.
Remembering to have simple manners and keeping others in mind before you do these things will make life a little easier for all of us. We are all in this crazy world together, so let’s cooperate when it comes to things we can control.