Category: Comfort
Where we came from if you got a flat tire or had car trouble someone would stop to see if they could help in a matter of minutes. Now that we live in NYC and LA, that is no longer true. For some reason cramming massive numbers of people into a small area makes them uncaring or too afraid to help. I'll leave the reasons and analysis of the social psychology of the phenomenon to more qualified people.
So, while we probably can't change this sad state of affairs, we can at least do our own little part. This week we are going to help at least 5 strangers who aren't asking for help. Coworkers, friends, and family don't count, and neither does holding the door for someone (that should just be second nature). Join in and tell us whom you helped and how you helped.
I think this is a great idea. I remember my first flat tire after moving to LA -- at least 25 people walked by as I, a professionally dressed young female, struggled to change it. Someone finally offered to help, but made it very clear that he felt burdened. I look forward to reading your results!
ReplyDeleteThis can definitely be a challenge. My girlfriend is the master of this. A few weeks ago we were walking in the LES and a young guy who spoke very broken English, approached us for directions to the Chinatown bus station. We were actually headed to see a lecture and were in a bit of a rush. Normally in this situation I do my best to point the person in the right direction and wish them the best of luck. But, being the person that she is my girlfriend insisted that we escort him to where he was trying to get to, that there was little hope that he would be able to sort out how to find the station. Well, long story short; he missed the train in Chinatown and we missed the lecture. Three hours later -at about midnight- we saw him off to his destination on the Metro North line at Grand Central Station. I can't say that I was entirely happy about the entire endeavor. I was hungry, tired and couldn't understand why she insisted that we get this person to where they were going. But, in the end I was happy that I had played whatever minor roll that I had. Looking back I know it was the right decision. It was amazing see someone care so much for someone that they had never met. They still keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteIt's not hard actually to help people. In fact, it's incredibly easy to aid folks who don't ask -like the older person trying to lug stuff up the subway stairs. They aren't going to ask you, but boy is it nice of you to just sincerely offer your natural strength. I mean, it's never been any sweat off my back ever (maybe a little sweat).
ReplyDeleteI hope that you guys find this challenge incredibly easy too. The real challenge, I think, is in making considerations of those around you during your most harried and hasty moments. It's realizing that you created your own bubble of haste, and getting out of that mindframe that is challenging.