being cordial

This is a quick rant about how this entire area has lost the ability to say "Please, Thank you and You're Welcome". I was leaving the bank this afternoon when I saw a woman, mid 40's, coming towards the door. She was on her cell phone not paying attention to anything and I could have easily let the door shut behind me and been multiple steps away by the time she got there. Instead I decide to wait a couple of seconds and keep the door open for her.

As she is walking through the door, still gabbing away on her phone, she doesn't even look in my direction and goes right in. My good mood and desire to be a decent human just flew right out the window in a flash. This is a busy area and there were people both outside the bank and inside and I made sure that everyone heard me say in a very loud and condescending tone "YOU'RE WELCOME". People all around looked over and she snapped her head back at me and gave me the body language of "who are you to talk to me like that" but then she noticed everyone staring at her. She didn't even stop her stride but just slowed down a little and said "oh... thanks".

My blood was hot but I saw people start staring at her as the could comprehend what had just happened. This prototypical Washington D.C. woman that is somehow too good for everyone just walked past a gentleman holding the door for her. She looked like a complete ass, which she is.

I'm constantly baffled by people around here that treat others like they are sooooo much better than them. Why are kids such bastards now-a-days? Because parents can't get their own crap together and be respectful to their peers. Kids see this and don't respect their peers or anyone else around them. I can't wait for the first time I see my son not hold the door for someone - or my daughter ignore a random act of kindness. I'd slap them upside the back of their head so hard that they'd do a face plant into the ground.

Man I can't wait to move away from this area.