Courtesy

Last night I went to Izzard's Hamlet (I throughly enjoyed it by the way, get tickets if they are available, but that is not what this is about - the Tour details are here, Melbourne, New Zealand etc). When my husband didn't want to go, I just got myself a ticket as I thought it would sell out, so didn't want to waste time waiting on the theatre crew to get back to me.

I was the first in my section of the audience and when the couple next to me arrived, the man in the seat next mine said "Good evening, how are you today?"  My initial reaction was 'how lovely and polite' and then 'I can't remember the last time this happened, it used to be normal'. 

Anyway, we chatted a bit before the show and at interval. I do often chat to people around me if I'm at a show, but it's not after such an immediate greeting. I really felt a shift in the experience.

So let's bring that back. It costs nothing and it is a nice thing to do. People can take it or leave it, as far as ongoing communication goes. While less about respect in the situation I'm talking about, it did build a feeling of social cohesion. This article says it helps build a feeling of shared values. I do think we felt a moment of unity - something that you forget when you read the news these days.

So let's change that in our day to day lives. I'm off to the theatre tonight with friends so will give it a go. It starts with you and it starts today.

"Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of the pleasures; costs nothing and conveys much" Erastus Winman 

Secondly, walking to the Opera House is sheer delight at the moment. I'll be so sad when the lights go out on the weekend. I walked straight to the show - no need for dinnr or drinks. But it was lovely and my mood lifted a little just at the dazzling lights and colours. 

In the taxi on the way home, I was chuffed to see this on my insta. Again, these little connections mean so much more than we realise. It's camaraderie, and feeling part of society or a community.

So much to be happy about at the moment. 

Linking with #HappyTuesday and #Happynow