My Nicen-Up
My ideas for a non-profit organization dedicated to making the city a friendlier place to live. This is the code by which we should live by. If successful, we will wave this in the face of New Yorkers (who are not nice) and all cities in
- If anyone lets you into their lane of traffic, you MUST do the little wave. It can be a simple one-two wave, to the beat of “thank-you,” but it must be visible. Out the window is a plus, wiggling fingers preferred. (Salutes acceptable)
- Smiling at complete strangers is required after eye contact, saying hello is optional. This is no longer simply a way to pick up chicks/dudes. Although, this is still encouraged.
- If you're really dedicated, say hello to everyone you see. At first, people may mistake you for a crazy murderer, but it will pay off eventually. Here's a great reader’s digest (don’t judge me) article about what happens if you do: http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/what-if-you-said-hello-to-everyone-in-your-path-for-a-month/article107782.html
- Tip well. Treat your waiter/waitress as your friend, not your indentured servant or subordinate. Also, stick a please on the beginning of your order, and a thank you at the end.
- [For waiters, instead of spitting in it, sprinkle a little home-made love into soup]
- Pretend that workers (construction, maintenance, retail) are people. Oh wait. They are. Be friendly and ask them [genuinely] how they're doing.
- If someone does something nice for you, pay it forward.
- Reserve honking for very serious situations. These include someone has almost killed you, hit a pedestrian, or cut you off so terribly that you have to get out and check to see if your bumper is still attached.
- Do random acts of kindness, like baking your garbageman and mailman Christmas cookies. Don't poison them if you are unhappy with said man.
- Meet your neighbors.
- Hold open doors.
- Smile at babies and things on leashes. (my neighbor has a cat on a leash, so I'm not discriminating)
If you have any more ideas, let me know. We’ll write up something for the mayor.
Is it catching on yet? I think Oprah needs to have you on to promote your Nicen Up Chicago program...she would love this! Remember when she did the program on pay it forward? That one involved $$, your idea is even better because it doesn't cost a thing to be nice!
ReplyDeleteI'm confused. Did you write this or did you copy it from somewhere?
ReplyDeleteI wrote it... and have now edited the post to clarify. Also add to the list:
ReplyDelete"Say hello to the person next to you on any flights. Think of them as a friend with whom you're sharing an experience, not the person who was jerk enough to sit next to you when there was a perfectly good empty row across the aisle."
I disagree, New Yorkers can be very nice and helpful....If you can get one to stop long enough to talk to you (not their fault they have long blocks to traverse!!). They're like doberman's they get a bad wrap, but they can be just as cute and cuddly as the rest
ReplyDelete