Too much to ask

It's come to my attention that I seem to have a problem.

It's such a small thing to many, no doubt, but to me, it's huge. I can't explain why, but it infuriates me. I think that the fact that it IS such a small thing that makes me so angry.

A few nights ago, I took my teenage daughter to the movies to see Twilight (which I loved, by the way). We had read the first book in the series, and were excited to see it on the screen. As the theater began to fill, I noticed there were still two empty seats to our right.

Just before the movie began, I was chatting with my daughter about the book, when I felt someone's presence. I didn't hear anyone approach us, I just knew suddenly that there was a person or people standing next to my seat.

I turned my head to see a pair of white jeans, standing in front of a pair of blue jeans. I looked up at the girl who owned the white jeans, as she was just inches from my leg, and was surpised to see she wasn't looking at me. She was looking at the floor in front of my feet.

I was tempted to say "Yes?" or "Can I help you?" but of course I knew what they were waiting for. They wanted us to get up so that they could move into those two unoccupied seats. Sure, no sweat.

And this is where my problem came into play. Neither girl spoke to us, they just stood there, waiting. I was expecting to hear what I though was something reasonable, like "excuse me," or "pardon us," but they just stared at the floor. As I got up and elbowed my daughter to rise as well, I felt something else rising....my Irish temper.

I felt that hot rush of anger crawl up my neck until my cheeks were burning with it.

I know it's probably petty, but lack of courtesy is something that has always bothered me, but to the extreme. It bothers me when I let someone go when I'm driving and there is no wave of thanks, and it bothered me as I crossed the supermarket parking lot the other day, with a heavy cart, and two women walked directly in front of me, causing me to swerve so I wouldn't strike them with the cart. And not a word from either of them.

I don't remember my parents ever enforcing common courtesy much, which may explain why I feel so vigilant about teaching my own kids to practice it. I feel it shows other people that we respect them, and we appreciate their efforts. And I believe they deserve it. So I always try to say thank you, or excuse me, or show my courtesy in some other way.

It's not a hard thing to do. It's easy to say some people might not know any better. Sorry, but I think that's a big giant crock of shit. There is no excuse, in my opinion, for someone not knowing how to say two little words...or wanting to say them, for that matter. It's not that much of an effort.

I know, I know. I'm bringing on this grief myself. I can't make people change. I just don't understand it. Someone please explain to me why people would even WANT to be discourteous.

The girl with the white pants had a bit of a sneezing fit during the movie, and just by habit, I turned to her and God blessed her, loud enough for my daughter (next to her) to say, "Uh, no need to shout, mom." I waited......and nothing. No "thank you." No "excuse me."

I was horrified....and pissed.

(sigh)

So yes, I have a problem. I expect a lot from people. No, that's not right. I expect a little of people. Just a little. I don't think that's a lot to ask.