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Friday, August 22, 2008
With the price of basic commodities going steadily up, it probably is not shocking how even common courtesy comes at a premium these days. I was with my sisters on a weekend jaunt to Quiapo (for beads!) and coming home, we boarded a jeepney. We were heavily laden, my sisters and I. They bought a guitar and did some grocery shopping while I had with me three pillows and my bulging tummy. The jeep wasn't full and those who boarded it after us naturally sat near the exit of the jeep and had to have their fares handed to the driver through us. We do it all the time, I'm sure. We ask other passengers to give our money to the driver. I always try to be courteous and polite and say "Please" and "Thank you" every time I do. Naturally, you'd expect the same of others. Simply because they really don't have to do it. They don't owe you anything. They're complete strangers. Besides, we're taught by our parents to say things like those in those kinds of situations. So, just common courtesy, right? Well, uh, not exactly. All the three other passengers on that jeepney did not even bother to say "Please" or "Thank you." Despite my two sisters giving them dark looks and saying things like, "Oh, you're welcome!" The sarcasm fell on deaf ears. Tsk, tsk. I never knew the astronomical price of gasoline could even affect good manners nowadays. I have another story about another jeepney ride but I have to postpone telling it. Got to get to work first. Labels: urban living |
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