Where is the love?

Last night as I was trying to reverse park in the city I stalled it. This would not normally be a problem but the car needs a new battery and we haven't had a chance to get it yet, so I knew I was screwed! (The same thing happened a week ago). I tried and tried to start it again... and nothing. I was sticking half way out in a lane on Liverpool Street - right where traffic comes down off Oxford St - so I started stressing big time! Plus it was pouring with rain and I had to call my wonderful boyfriend to come and help me. He had to run all the way from our place and push me out of the park and forward so I could pull over to get someone to jump start us.

Not one person stopped to see if I needed help (my hazards were on), I was beeped four times and then when a nice cabbie (very rare in the city) was trying to manoeuvre his car to be in front of Ben's car, he was also beeped and abused. Even though all he was trying to do was help me! When I spoke to my friend who I was going to meet, she asked if anyone had stopped to help me. I replied: "Are you serious? This is Sydney".

Discussing this with my colleagues this morning, we got to talking about all the similar experiences we'd had in Sydney. Our sub editor's mother broke down once back in the 80s, when she was 8 months pregnant, but did anyone stop to help her? No. They beeped at her instead! And a friend of hers had a girl pick a fight with her at the train station, and no one tried to break it up. Business men on the platform actually walked away from the situation.

I recently read a letter in daily newspaper Mx, about a woman who was elbowed in her pregnant stomach as she walked through a train station in the city. As she doubled over in pain and cried out, she saw the woman who had elbowed her, continuing on her busy way. And no one else helped her out. I myself, have slipped over on the road near work before, cutting my foot, and people just walked around me.

Sydney is not a place where people smile at each other and say hi in the street (if you do say hi to someone they'll usually look at you like you're some kind of knife-wielding psycho). Everyone is too busy and concerned about their own lives... and are happy to stand back and let other people do the helping. It's not that everyone is horribly nasty, it's just that it's not the done thing. Many shop assistants are rude, or too busy to serve you. Cab drivers are a nightmare. And train and parking inspectors are just assholes.

But when you do make eye contact with someone and get your smile reciprocated, it really makes a difference to your mood. It takes more muscles in your face to frown than smile, so why not give someone a smile today? And if they give you a filthy look back, be glad that you're in a happier place than them.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic! : )

Notes on Glossy Paper