Good Behavior - What Goes Around Comes Around

There is an old saying: Karma is mean. Yes, I cleaned it up a bit, but you get the idea. Lots of philosophical phrases, from many points of view, reiterate this feeling over and over.

If we look at this concept, that what we do comes back to us, in terms of manners and courtesy.

What do you lose by holding the door for someone or saying thank you? Nothing! What do you gain? You may never know what the direct impact is. Many feel that helping others makes you a better person. Many times, the recipient may acknowledge your act of kindness. Sometimes it may not be. In a few cases, the recipient may return the favor many times over.

When driving, what will it cost us to let someone merge into the lane we are in, in front of us? Nothing. And it may make their day, or at least that part of their drive. I like to let other drivers know that they may have a taillight or brake light that is not working, if I pull up beside them at a stop sign or traffic light. It could save them from getting a ticket or being in a crash.

There is a television commercial I hate. In part of it, the man is walking on a sidewalk, and keeps going as he steps into a crosswalk, the whole time concentrating on his cell phone. He almost gets hit by a car. He plays the victim. When you are in public, such as on a sidewalk, it is your responsibility to watch out for others.

Be polite. Use please, thank you, and you are welcome frequently. Do not assume anything about someone you see with a physical disability. They may not want or may not need the assistance you think they need. Hold doors for them, as you should with anyone.

On public transportation, say a bus or trolley, stand and offer your seat to someone who looks like they could use a seat. Do not pile your stuff in an empty seat when things are crowded. Keep music and cell phone conversations to yourself. Nobody else cares nor wants to be bothered by your noise.

Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t work. Years ago, I was driving back to San Diego at night on I-5. I came up on a car with its headlights and taillights off. I pulled behind this car and flashed my high beams at the driver several times. I tried turning my headlights off and on while I was behind him. Nothing got the driver’s attention, or he did not act on them. But the effort was made.

I can only think of one instance where doing someone a good turn has cost me anything. Years ago, I boarded a TWA flight in San Diego for a business trip to St. Louis. For some reason, there was a problem getting one of the engines started on an L1011 airliner. After a while we asked to get off the plane while the mechanics worked on the engine. Almost as soon as we deplaned, the reluctant engine started. We reboarded and off we went.

It was the early days of cell phones, and the plane was equipped with cell phones in the seatbacks. Swipe your credit card and make a call. I made a couple calls to rearrange my schedule in St. Louis since we were now a couple of hours late. A young Martine was sitting next to me. He did not have a credit card. So, I let him call his family using my card. I told him I did not need to be repaid. It buoyed his spirits, which was payback enough.

A few thoughts on behavior for your travels:

Do not hog the armrests on planes
Do not recline your seat all the way back on a plane
Do not kick the seat in front of you
When standing, try not to pull back on the seat in front of you
Seat in the seat that matches your ticket and do not complain about it
Keep your children under control
Be quiet in your room
Do not cut in line
Be patient

In general, “Do unto others as they would do unto themselves.”

Peter A. Klein is the author of 15 Steps to a Successful Remodel and Can’t Travel? Go Virtual!.