Do Good for Goodness' Sake

I recently experienced an event that made me reflect on our society as a whole. Why is it that we feel the need to receive things for doing good or even for doing what we are supposed to do? Why do we feel that we deserve praise?

First, let me share my experience. It may seem insignificant but it kept nagging me so I decided to write about it to try and move pass it. I was crossing the street at a cross walk and a car stopped…you know, like it is supposed to. I did not think anything of it until this individual proceeded to drive up next to me once I crossed the street, roll down the window and aggressively said “you’re welcome” obviously soliciting a “thank you”. I waved and smiled because honestly, I did not know how to react to the situation. Why did this individual feel the need to go out of his way to be sarcastic about a seemingly everyday event? Why did he expect a standing ovation for doing something everyone does? I can go on and on with the questions but you get it.

This was not the first time I have witnessed a situation like this. I do not understand why our society is moving in that particular direction…the one where we need to receive praise for doing things that are not really above and beyond anything that a normal decent human being would do. Why can we not do good things just for the sake of it? No matter how small or big, do something good each day to make yourself feel good. Do not expect to receive anything in return. Do good because it is simply good.

At the end of the day, I decided that he must have been going through something else, and that act of me not verbally thanking him specifically for doing what he was supposed to do was the last straw. I hope that he resolves whatever situation he was going through and all is well with him now.

While we cannot control what others do, we can still control what we do ourselves. So while I am disappointed by his actions as well as others like him, all we can really do is smile and remain calm. Maybe our patience and kindness can trigger them to think about their actions…one can only hope.