A small gesture that made my day.

@TheHorse (238268)
Walnut Creek, California
May 20, 2020 6:31pm CST
I've mentioned this kind of thing before, but it still makes a big difference to me. I was heading to Safeway for my (approximately) weekly shopping trip, when I spied a couple approaching from my left on their bicycles. I was about to exit my apartment complex via a right turn. The woman was in the lead. They were about 40. I came to a stop and held my right hand up, just to show them that I had seen them and that they were in no danger. The woman looked straight ahead and did not acknowledge my gesture. But the man held his hand up in thanks. That was it. No big smiles. No hellos. Just common sense gestures of acknowledgement. Do people do that kind of thing were you live?
19 people like this
18 responses
divalounger
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
21 May 20
Yup--we always do it--we walk the dog daily--and always like to acknowledge the people we see--it is a kindness that tends to generate kindness back
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
I agree. I forget--where in the US are you?
1 person likes this
divalounger
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
21 May 20
@TheHorse Alameda--just over the hill from you
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 May 20
@divalounger Oh, I like Alameda.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
21 May 20
YES, people do that kind of things all the time here. Our main road is narrow, my husband always stops to let the bus pass where he knows that it is a big larger and the bus driver always raise his hand to thank him.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
22 May 20
@TheHorse Not at all, it's a form of manners, but some people are brainless, they do not stop a minute and then they have to reverse because the bus is stuck.
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
Glad to hear that. It doesn't require much effort!
2 people like this
Jekca
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
21 May 20
she might have been lost in her head, but yeah it's polite to wave back or something
1 person likes this
Jekca
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
22 May 20
@TheHorse is something to ponder on, like how often do we autopilot around. Are we that aware of things around us when we need to be
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
Maybe his "situational awareness" was greater. No way to know.
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 May 20
@Jessicalynnt A part of why I rarely carry a cell phone with me when I'm out...I like to be aware of my environment, both for safety and because of the beauty that's out there if you look.
1 person likes this
Angie
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
21 May 20
Some raise their hand but a finger shows. LOL. I got flipped off a few weeks ago by Roberts ex. Seriously? Most people are nice and will throw their hand up.
2 people like this
Heather Echola
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
21 May 20
@TheHorse She was flipped off for being with Robert, I presume.
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
Flipped off for what?
1 person likes this
Kokil agarwal
@amitkokiladitya (171988)
• Agra, India
21 May 20
There are mixed reactions. Some are over thankful.while some are.juts reserved in there reactions
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
I like it when people see themselves as members of a community. I do my best (in overpopulated California) to make my OWN community.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
@amitkokiladitya Is there a reason NOT to do so?
Kokil agarwal
@amitkokiladitya (171988)
• Agra, India
21 May 20
@TheHorse when it comes to thanking anyone for help I'm the first one to.do.so
1 person likes this
CarolDM
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
21 May 20
Yes I see that often. And good for you.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
I try to set a good example. I'm too old to worry about being "cool."
1 person likes this
CarolDM
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
21 May 20
@TheHorse Being cool is not what life is about, in my opinion, no matter your age. Many disagree but that is ok too. It should be all about the little things.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
@CarolDM It's really about shared moments. At least that's how I see it.
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
21 May 20
What I have noticed here since the lockdown is that people will hold the door for the other person coming in if they are exiting. I have noticed that at the post office and the local Dollar General. We can do with better manners! I hope this continues.
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
22 May 20
@TheHorse I hope all those good manners stick around!!
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
I've noticed that here too, even in nasty, entitled California. People have been MORE helpful/friendly since the pandemic started, not less so.
1 person likes this
much2say
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
21 May 20
Being in L.A., I appreciate those common sense gestures, but I hate to say I don't see them often enough. The art of the wave of thanks seems to be lost.
1 person likes this
much2say
@much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
21 May 20
@TheHorse It's a shame that car manners have gone out the door. Honestly, I see more people abusing their horn and holding up the middle finger.
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
It used to be REALLY common in Montana. I think it's fading even there with the generations.
1 person likes this
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (135583)
• Marion, Ohio
21 May 20
Some do.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
It's more common in Montana than here in CA. But I enjoy it when it happens here.
1 person likes this
Alex Socorro
@Alexandoy (65302)
• Cainta, Philippines
21 May 20
A simple wave for a positive gesture really makes a difference.
1 person likes this
Alex Socorro
@Alexandoy (65302)
• Cainta, Philippines
21 May 20
@TheHorse oh, I have not seen the news yet.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
It really does. Hey, did everyone survive that helicopter crash? I watched the video, but couldn't figure out what happened. There was a lot of dust
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 May 20
That's pretty common here. And you're right - small gestures can make a big difference to your day.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
The Australians I know here seem to have that sense of community.
1 person likes this
Hanni Harel
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
21 May 20
@TheHorse Very few here respect when I ask them to not stand close to me.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
Strange. Do they think they're immortal?
1 person likes this
Hanni Harel
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
22 May 20
@TheHorse Maybe they think G- d will protect them. I believe He protects those that protect themselves. It is called work that they do not want to do.
LindaOH
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
21 May 20
I always do. Some do. Some don't.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
It's more common in Montana than here. But people have been MORE thankful and kind here (in CA) during the pandemic. Interesting.
1 person likes this
Scott Andersen
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
21 May 20
we've walked the dogs the same way for nearly 8 years. The first 3 or 4 years not a single neighbor returned my wave. now they all do, and if I am walking alone they ask where the dogs are. Takes time sometimes.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
Sometimes it takes awhile to break down those barriers.
1 person likes this
Scott Andersen
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
21 May 20
@TheHorse it does sometimes you are right
Heather Echola
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
21 May 20
Yes, this is Kansas, we wave, smile and make eye contact. We give people a thumbs up! At least your gesture was acknowledged.
marguicha
@marguicha (230334)
• Chile
21 May 20
I see that often. Specially in older people.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
In my college classes, I give a "reaching out" assignment, where students have to be extra friendly to people and see what happens. Most report that older people are more responsive to friendliness than younger people.
cmoneyspinner
@cmoneyspinner (9218)
• Austin, Texas
21 May 20
"Where are the 9?" A powerful lesson on showing gratitude. Jesus cured 10 lepers. Only 1 came back and said "Thank you". It's the world we live in. The majority, i.e. about 90% are not thankful and don't or won't express any appreciation or gratitude when someone does something kind or nice. If you're like me you don't expect a response or reaction, but when they do show appreciation, it feels really nice! In Austin, Texas we have a lot of bikers and walkers so I am always careful to give them a safe space.
Maggs
@maggs224 (2317)
• Alicante, Spain
21 May 20
They do it is one of the things that I love about liviing in Spain, pass someone here in the street who you don't know of any age and more than likely you will get a bon dia or buenas from them. At the very least you'll get a nod of acknowledgement. If you know them it would be a hug and a kiss on both cheeks though social distancing has put a stop on that for the moment.
Maggs
@maggs224 (2317)
• Alicante, Spain
21 May 20
@TheHorse Our South American friends often do three kisses alternate cheeks. They and the Spanish are definitely a lot more touchy feely than the average Brit and I love it.
The Horse
@TheHorse (238268)
• Walnut Creek, California
21 May 20
Ah I think f the both cheeks thing as French. Glad to hear they do that in Spain as well.
1 person likes this