Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Common Courtesy


Even though I generally dislike people, I honestly try to do my part to make the world a better place.

Yesterday, as the traffic light I was sitting at turned green, I stopped and let some guy pull out into the lane in front of me. I often do this as a sort of traffic karma gesture. I figure if a guy from Jersey lets people in, others will feed off of that positive energy and do what they can to make my commute more enjoyable in return.

Normally, when I give someone a gift, I don't expect anything in return; I get enough joy out of giving. However, when I give someone a gift in traffic, I expect a hand wave. I admit that I don't really benefit all that greatly from a hand wave, but it's nice to know that someone appreciates me and my car for the gesture.

In this case, the guy pulled out and didn't even look my way. Once he was in front of me, I decided to take the bull by the horns, and I gave him an exaggerated "you're welcome" wave, hoping he would catch it in his rear-view mirror. Still nothing.

I'm sorry to announce to the drivers of South Florida, that this self-absorbed jerk has now ruined it for all of you. For the rest of the work week, I will not be letting anyone into traffic. Find another sucker.

(Update: In moment of weakness, on the way into work this morning, I relented and let an old man pull in to traffic in front of me. He extended his hand in a wave and kept it out his window the entire time he negotiated his turn. My faith in the human race has been temporarily restored.

Thanks old man. I'll probably see you in the grocery store, when you run your cart into the back of my legs in the checkout line.)

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