Food for thought on my 21st Birthday

Your birthday is always an interesting day, a day when casual acquiantences come out of the woodwork to wish you a pleasant day and a fruitful year.

But what I always find fascinating is the general apathy people have towards one another on a regular basis. Let me give you an example.

My state college is huge, and meandering in and out of many a drunken night, especially in the Greek System, you meet a variety of people. However, these niceties tend to end when the beer stops flowing. I have always resented the fact that people are not friendlier with one another, simply taking a few moments to stop and say hello.

Now, there is many a day when I am in no mood to stop and say hello to everyone that walks by; I'm busy too and have places to be. It reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when Kramer puts everyone's picture in the building in the lobby so they can chit chat with one another, but Jerry is trying to get away from kissing hello. However, it irks me to notice someone from 20 yards away that I've been introduced to, and have to decide as we bridge this gap if they remember me, should I say hello, do I look away, make eye contact and smile? It's all very confusing, and for an extremely vain part of our population, somewhat astounding that we do not go to this small length to increase the number of Facebook friends we have.

I have often considered trying for a whole day to say "Hello" to everyone I encounter, and it is admittedly terribly difficult. It is worth the effort just for the responses; some are confounded, others smile gently, and even more are truly touched by the small courtesy that is so rarely offered to them. Society has a terrible fear of the unknown, and no where is it more obvious than in people's behavior towards strangers.

So, I challenge you; step out of your comfort zone. Offer help to someone who is clearly confused or directionally challenged. Instead of honking the horn, pull up along side them, roll down your window, and offer your assistance. It can dramatically improve your day, and you never know how much that stranger next to you may need a kind word.

Tonight I will be out drinking legally for the first time in my life. A little excited, a little nervous. Plan on a Thursday update. Until then