Monday Manners: Walk Softly and Carry a Big Box

Although I could make this a big gender issue, I won't. The fact of the matter is that men are usually stronger than women, but not always. I actually have plenty of female friends fully capable of carrying much heavier loads than several of my male friends. So the following, very brief, "Monday Manners" post is meant to be a universal plea for kindness:

If you see someone carrying something heavy or unweildy, and that person looks like s/he is having trouble, and you think you might be able to assist, well, then offer your assistance. Some people might get suspicious that you're trying to take their packages, some people might insist that they're okay all by themselves, but some people will really, genuinely, appreciate your offer.

Don't offer if you can't actually help. Sure, it might be a great way to meet your new neighbor, but carrying her air conditioner up three flights of stairs to her apartment should only be attempted if you're not going to throw your back out in the process. And before offering to help the little old lady across the street take out her garbage, you might want to ascertain that it weighs less than a dead body. (Anybody else seen Arsenic and Old Lace?)

Don't offer to walk dogs or push strollers if people are struggling with animals or children and an additonal load -- you might end up being accused of attempted kidnapping -- but offer to help those people with their bags and packages, especially if they look like they might need a hand to find their keys. Just remember that someday when you have pets or kids, you might really appreciate it if someone were to do the same for you. And that if you don't lend a hand now, well, karma's a bitch. Next week, Monday Manners tackles personally-produced fog.

Image Credit: Manchester City Council