Just Be Nice

We've all heard "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You", "What Goes Around Comes Around" and all the others you understand what I am saying here. It doesn't cost a cent to be pleasant even if you don't feel that way, but I guarantee it will make you feel better.

In the news lately we've witnessed a man lying on the street dying as people walked by. A young girl being beaten up while people witnessed and no one stepped in. In this day and age, a term that has been around as long as I have, people are reluctant to be a hero for fear of their own safety. However, most of us have a cell phone and can easily call 911. I wonder how many Facebook posts or Tweets were made to inform friends of what they were seeing. Thank God for "Heroes".

But, this is a story about being nice.....and let you question how nice you are.

1. You had to call the cable, insurance, etc. companies and after, first having to decide between Spanish or English when you finally get the call to go through. You have to go through at least five prompts until you get a live person on the line.....You...

a. Are outraged and express your displeasure to the one who answers when they were just doing their job.

b. Make sure the person knows that your time is valuable and you have all the numbers needed to complete your request.

c. You can endure this disruption to your day and make sure the person you spoke to has a better day.



2. Door opening. I was never a fan of the guy always opening a car door for me. Everyone should be able to open a car door. Talking about going into businesses or restaurants and the doors there......If a stranger is six feet behind you or less, do you......


a. Hurry to get further ahead of them, because you know deep down that it is the right thing to do, but you are not going to do it.

b. Don't even think about it, let them get in on their own.

c. Will stand and let an entire family walk in before you.



3. You wait a long time to check out at Wal-Mart or anywhere else. The person in front of you's card has been declined and they pull out others to find one that won't be.

a. You think what a low life....if you can't afford it you don't buy it.

b. You let the cashier know of your displeasure and make fun of that person.

c. Be patient, turn your head, this person is embarassed enough.



4. While at said store an item you have chosen doesn't have a barcode....you

a. Tell the cashier to forget about this purchase, you don't have time to wait.

b. Be patient as they do a price check.

c. Feel bad because you should have checked for a barcode when you picked it up.



5. An elderly person or someone from out of state creates a major traffic disruption......You

a. Gig them and blow your horn....SR citizens shouldn't be allowed to drive and don't come into our state unless you know the roads.

b. Be patient and back off as to not put yourself in danger.

c. Feel sorry for them as you know they are lost.



6. Someone on a cell phone, texting, reading the paper or putting on makeup creates a major traffic disruption.....You...

a. Gig them and blow the horn, you are mad and they screwed up.

b. Give them a glaring look as you pass them because they screwed up.

c. Give them a break and just go on.



7. You purchase an appliance or furniture and when delivered it is all wrong...You...

a. Go ballistic, scream at the delivery driver and tell them to just forget the order.

b. Tell them to take it back and calmly call your salesperson to inform them of the mistake.

c. Say what the heck, this may be meant to be and just keep it.



8. It is pouring rain or freezing cold and you've spotted an upfront parking spot for the business you are about to enter, your turn signal is on as you wait to pull in and someone suddenly pulls in to take the spot.....You.....

a. Gig them or better yet get out of the car to confront this person.

b. Silently call this person some really bad names.

c. Think, I needed the walk anyway.



9. You have a delivery or a service scheduled and they call to confirm this with a 2 to 4 hour time frame.....You........

a. Give them hell, you have a job and your time is important.

b. Call back and try to get a pinpointed time and explain why.

c. Welcome the opportunity to sit and read a book.



10. Your phone is ringing off the hook because of telemarkters. You.....

a. Play with them, telling that the person they are calling is dead.

b. Thank God you have caller ID.

c. Listen to their pitches and polietly decline.


Scoring mostly a's may indicate you have some anger management issues, mostly b's you stand up for yourself respectfully, mostly c's mean you can be a little too nice and tend to be stepped on.