Musings: Courtesy can be contagious
FDNY firefighters watch before steel from World Trade Center goes to Gander, Newfoundland, in 2016 as a thank you Credit: Getty Images/Drew Angerer
September is National Courtesy Month. I would venture to say that most of us grew up with our parents reminding us to “mind our manners.” They reminded us to say “please” and “thank you,” as well as “you’re welcome.”
National Courtesy Month reminds us of the importance of being kind and treating others with respect every day. This month provides us with an opportunity to reflect on how society can be more caring and accommodating through daily interactions. Holding a door, offering a seat, greeting people with a smile, waiting patiently for your turn, and helping someone you see in need are just some things that show respect and can brighten someone’s day.
The people of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada knew how to be kind and courteous in a big way. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, this town of 9,400 took nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers into their homes and community.
With all of the negativity in our world today, we can all use more kindness and courtesy in our lives. Someone supposedly said, “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind.”
When people are considerate of one another, moods improve and smiles abound. As director of Destination Accessible US, a nonprofit that provides accessibility information about various locations to help those with mobility challenges, I understand what courtesy can do.
Being courteous is a lifelong process. A little bit goes a long way. Take it from the people of Gander, and let’s make courtesy contagious.
— Roberta Rosenberg, East Northport
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