were all it took to inspire me to write this.
Number one
Driving down the highway and trying to merge to the next lane. I either didn't see the small truck next to me and slightly behind, or he was merging into the lane I was, at the same time. In either case, I moved back to my lane and he began to pass me from the lane we both tried to merge from. I acknowledged our close call with a simple wave and he acknowledged with the same in return. In many cases, such a confrontation would lead to my acknowledging with a wave, the other driver could acknowledge with a one finger wave and some choice language.
Number Two
I was merging from a ramp onto the highway in heavy traffic. It's the type of merge when you need to begin getting to the far two lanes, because of another freeway exiting, closely ahead. Since I am pulling my 14ft trailer, I begin using my blinker while coming down the ramp. Under "what seems to be normal circumstances" I would have to keep trying to merge while rude people get closer together, so as not to let anyone squeeze in. A lady in a SUV backed off slightly to allow me to merge in front of her. I rolled down my window and gave her a courtesy wave. She waved back.
Number Three
I wanted to make a right turn ahead, at the next street, after just leaving my house. The driver in front of me stopped abruptly, before I could see there was a elderly lady crossing the street, where we both wanted to turn. We both waited until she got to the curb, then began to move forward. The lady gave a little nod and smile, as if to say thank you for being patient. That was the very moment I realized how those "three bits of courtesy", affected me in a way to make me remember, kindness, could be contagious, one bit at a time.
