When did the right thing to do become the RARE thing to do?

[Fancyinheels]

Somebody asked me today why I'm "nice?" Why do I recommend other providers, why do I give (unsolicited, granted) advice, why did I start the newbie-friendly thread, why don't I point out egregious stupidity (okay, I'm being facetious now), why do I often use humor in an attempt to diffuse treads that go seriously south, why am I not MORE out for myself since, as an individual, I should be the most important person in my world?

Personally, I think I'm more naughty than nice, but whatever, and I'm certainly selfish at times.

Part of what I do and the way I do it is because I believe that I only strike the Fancy of a select audience, and I'm perfectly okay with that. I don't feel like I'm in competition with the entire world of hookerdom, so if I'm not available or can't meet a fellow's needs, why NOT point him to someone who can? Or share a better (or at least different) way of doing things with others?

However, the rest of it is just because I feel it's the right thing to do, not being snarky (well, most of the time), not stirring the pot with the stick of drama, being helpful when I have time and notice a need. I practice this in my personal life, too, doing what I can, even if more limited than I'd like.

Got me to contemplating... When did the right thing to do become the RARE thing to do?

We see it all the time in the "real world," regular people who would never commit an outright crime but who look (or run) away when something bad is going on, even if just a phone call to the authorities would make a difference.

People who toss trash out windows thoughtlessly when driving make me mad, or leave their refuse behind at beaches and parks, but what about those who walk right past a can or wrapper or broken glass that could cause injury when such could easily be disposed of if they just bent a leg or arm?

When you see an incapacitated person struggling with parcels or groceries, have you taken a few moments to help pick up what they dropped and carry their burden for them?

How many times have you driven past a senior citizen or a mother with a brood of children with a flat tire looking helpless by the side of the road?

One of your co-workers is obviously overwhelmed. Could you take an hour and do some simple task for this person? Make copies of the meeting agenda?

The neighbor lady is sick. Could you feed and/or walk her dog?

Not trying to get on any soapbox here, but as a society, we have become lazy and so self-involved we often don't notice much around us, or care. Really, what is the last "nice" act you engaged in with no thought of the reward OTHER than making another person, perhaps a complete stranger, feel good? (Leave sex out of it for once. No fair using the "I ate her for an hour and she came 3 times before I got my pants off" story.)

Little things are what faith, hope, and charity are all about. Doesn't need to have anything to do with religion, blind allegiance, or giving money to big organizations. (I worship the backwards-spelled deity DOG, who wants all creatures to have full bellies and coexist in happiness, except squeaky toys, and fleas. They can die.)

What is the last right, rare thing you did?

[boardman]

I called a hooker out on an obvious threAD...Does that count?

[Fancyinheels]

Originally Posted by boardman

I called a hooker out on an obvious threAD...Does that count?

You do that ALL the time, so it isn't rare.

[Don T. Lukbak]

It's not as rare as you suggest; hell, it's not even uncommon. Most people do, actually.

Irish tart, please don't go all Zanzitard up in here, Uriah Heeping the way along his Pathway of Virtue.

[Fancyinheels]

Originally Posted by Don T. Lukbak

It's not as rare as you suggest; hell, it's not even uncommon. Most people do, actually.

Irish tart, please don't go all Zanzitard up in here, Uriah Heeping the way along his Pathway of Virtue.

Splendid to hear. Sometimes I worry about the human race, especially reading some of the posts HERE.

Just feeling pensive today. Am going to the pub later, after a stop at Sonic to commemorate National Hot Dog Day with $1 chilli-cheese Coneys. (Yea for wieners of ANY sort!) I'll be back to my sassy self after that, following the Zen of the Leprechaun; embrace the pot o' gold and dance a jig with a jigger!

Hey, who said anything about virtue? I lost that decades ago to a nice young lad going into the Navy. I scaled his mast, his sea-men pulled up anchor, and I floated his boat.

[dream-big]

I would like to think that doing the right thing is not a rare deed in our society. Having said that, unfortunately, many of us become self-absorbed in our daily stress/problems and often lose sight of life's priorities.

Maybe I was (luckily) raised different, but I was brought up to be aware of the people around me and help those in need. Sometimes, all it takes is to smile at a stranger and ask how they are doing…I've literally taken off my sweatshirt for a homeless person during a snowstorm.

Am I saint and a teddy bear…far from it; I gave that up 21 years ago when I joined the Marine Corps! After all, we take pride in claiming quotes like "uncommon valor was a common virtue" … and "no better friend, no worst enemy."

While someone will call this a threAD, I'm glad the OP posted this topic…it's always good to have an unexpected moment of self reflection.

[Guest123018]

Originally Posted by Fancyinheels

When did the right thing to do become the RARE thing to do?

I try and be helpful all the time. Shame some folks take kindness the wrong way

[Don T. Lukbak]

Originally Posted by dream-big

Am I saint and a teddy bear…far from it; I gave that up 21 years ago when I joined the Marine Corps! After all, we take pride in claiming quotes like "uncommon valor was a common virtue" … and "no better friend, no worst enemy."

The typical Marine 'cruit has a heart softer than most...at least it was when I was in boot in '59...get that little bitty monthly pay and couldn't hardly get off the base before it all got gave to winos with stories of heartbreak.

...and as they grow older and wiser in the ways of the world, most of the ones I knew kept the soft hearts. Oh, they'll bend your nose in a second...sometimes just for fun...but they'll also give you their last dollar if you need it worse than he does.

[Guest030816]

"Random Acts Of Kindness", doing the right thing, may not be a rarity. But it is becoming more scarce than it once was. Maybe it's a sign of us growing old, (the over 50 crowd) where we remember kindness and civility as an everyday occurrence. Part of being advanced in years is gaining vast experiences and memories, and often we've seen our kindnesses abused or taken for granted. Making us less likely to do so in the future. Once at a gas station I granted a lady's request to help her pump her gas. Her only problem was she was morbidly obese and would have been difficult for her to get in and out of the car. After getting her gas for her, she didn't even have the decency to say thank you. Just an example, I too have literally taken the shirt off my back to give to a homeless man before. And at least he appreciated it. Would probably do the same again if the situation presented itself. The coming generations... ugh, I doubt the majority of which would put another's needs ahead of their own. my $.02

[explorer317]

Reality TV would have you believe being a douche is the norm, and the only way to get ahead in life, but they are the bottom of society.

[Fancyinheels]

Originally Posted by H.Hardhat

"Random Acts Of Kindness", doing the right thing, may not be a rarity. But it is becoming more scarce than it once was. Maybe it's a sign of us growing old, (the over 50 crowd) where we remember kindness and civility as an everyday occurrence. Part of being advanced in years is gaining vast experiences and memories, and often we've seen our kindnesses abused or taken for granted. Making us less likely to do so in the future...

Having trod the planet for 55 years, that's sort of where I was coming from. I am an observer, and when I get tired of the mall, amusement park, beach, park, bar, wherever, I just sit down and take in my surroundings and the nearby people. (Voyeur alert!) I would like to think doing the right thing isn't rare, but that hasn't been my experience watching the general human population for the last decade, anyway.

Some of the toughest sum-bitches I ever knew, soldiers, cops, bikers, rough-housing rednecks, crusty sailors, were also the kindest. They were raised with respect for life, and that is something we seem to be seeing less of, what with all the violence in the world. Another mass shooting at a theater just last night, and worth noting that a teacher threw herself in front of someone else to protect them, taking a bullet, and yet she had the presence of mind to pull the fire alarm to warn others.

THAT was a very right, very rare thing to do, and I am heartened to hear of such heroism, but we can all be everyday heroes. (My chihuahuas think I am amazing when I "rescue" chicken nuggets out of the fridge for them. )

In my opinion, Reality TV is a rot upon entertainment. WHO the f*** goes on these shows that they need attention so much? And why do the fellows on Springer or Maury always look so deer-in-the-headlights surprised when they are accused of whatever? Duh, why do they think they were asked to appear in the first place?

[boardman]

Originally Posted by Fancyinheels

You do that ALL the time, so it isn't rare.

Butt, it's the right thing to do...

[Fancyinheels]

Originally Posted by boardman

Butt, it's the right thing to do...

I've been waiting for you to say that.

[silverstate53]

Fancy darling cream always rises to the top and you are the cream - sometimes flies buzz the sweet cream - just have to shoo them away

[Guest062217]

Fancy....Fancy.....Fancy...... .that tread made think it's about time you receive some SNL Italian Sausage......just sayin'