Small or large, what acts of kindness have you been getting up to?

[chris_77]

#2182

This is really tough in London where 99% of people have their eyes glued to some sort of device and don’t even stop to acknowledge others, smile, etc. I find it really depressing actually. Most of us are just walking around like zombies.

[CatherineR]

#2183

Hi Chris, I completely understand. I guess rather than being depressed about it try to think of this as an excellent opportunity for you to be a shining light in the Big Smoke.
Smile at those you do manage to make eye-contact with. Say “hi” or “morning/afternoon” to someone you walk past. Offer a seat up on the tube, even if it’s not for an elderyly person, pregnant woman, parent with small kids or someone with heavy bags, even if it’s just a Regular Joe. Have a chat to the personn you’re standing behind in a queue. You may get a few weird looks but usually I find people are plesantly surprised by the connection.
Let me know how you get on!

• This reply was modified 9 years ago by CatherineR.

[chris_77]

#2185

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Catherine. I won’t give up ? I’m just not cut out for city living, but I’ll be stuck here for a while. Will try to make the most of it though. Enjoy the sunshine ?

[TimF]

#2339

Hi Chris. I totally get where you’re coming from. I’m definitely not a city person. But I recently asked an American student who’d been visiting what she thought of London and she said “all the people are so friendly compared to back home.” So obviously she’d seen something that we’ve missed. There *are* friendly people out there – we just need to notice them. And maybe we can do our little part to cheer someone up – whether it’s helping them with their shopping or pushchair or giving up a seat on a train.

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