Scene and heard

Maybe I’ve been unlucky recently. Maybe I had been lucky previously. Either way, a number of people I have held the door open for of late, have not acknowledged this in any way – not even a nod. I’m not talking about the young shits for whom common decency would be considered uncool (but who get terribly upset to the point of threatening violence when they feel they have not been shown respect – I saw many of these in my bus driving days). These are adult males.

My Uncle Norman used to say to such people: “Are you coming back?” The inference, which I verbalised on a number of occasions over the years was, ‘I’ll try to make sure I’m here holding the door for you when you do get back’. My preferred remark, which I have dusted off and used at least 3 times in the last couple of weeks, is: “Thank you! It was an honour!” I don’t think too many people get it, wrapped up in their own little worlds as they are, and they continue as if nothing has been said – or at least heard. A number of years ago, a man responded that he had said thank you. “Oh yes? Without moving your lips or making a sound?” Perhaps it is my old world Englishness, but I really have no tolerance for poor manners.