We all know about the concept of ‘paying it forward.’ Whether you’ve been on the receiving end of it or you initiated the action, it’s a positive phenomenon that can be a real game changer.
But it has its drawbacks, too.
The other day, while out shopping with my Dad, I let someone (with only two items in their hands) go ahead of me in the checkout line. Not only was he holding a place in line for someone else but that person eventually showed up with an entire full cart. Now, he could have explained that he was waiting for another person or he could have declined the offer but, instead, he pretty much guaranteed me never doing that again.
Another time, on the road, I let someone cut in front of me. One person inside of one car. As a result, an entire line of cars then proceeded to fly right through a stop sign (behind that one car) and try to squeeze in front of my car. Never again.
Yet another time I held open a door for a woman using a walker and also holding onto a dog’s leash. By the time I got to the elevator (after quickly checking my mail) she had already gotten into the elevator, closed the door and gone up to the top floor of the building – not even bothering to hold the door an extra second for me.
So, what’s the bottom line? Never go out of your way to help another human being? Only think of yourself in any and all situations? Do unto others… just don’t expect them to pay it forward (or back)? Or maybe it’s a simple case of nice guys DO finish last!
hellomuddah hellofadduh 
We’ve all had these experiences. Please don’t let them stop us from doing the right thing … always.
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Yes, it is always our first and best defense to do (what we know is) the right thing. But people’s attitudes have sadly changed in recent years and we no longer live in our parents’ world. Younger generations have grown up more entitled and more desensitized and seem to live in their own little virtual worlds of ‘unreality.’ Let’s hope that enough of them can learn life lessons from their elders.
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Never give up on doing the right thing. Anything less is beneath you and your values.
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True!
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Do the right thing for the right thing’s sake. Will not change the world overnight but make it a little better and set an example. Gratitude is nice but not required.
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Also true. But let me add that, although not required, a thank you is always the least thing one should give.
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