Dublin Day 13: Random Acts of Politeness

One of the things that I have noticed during my stay here in Dublin is the sense of old-school etiquette. It’s refreshing, especially since in mainstream America everyone’s become so casual – in speech, in clothes, in behavior, in attitude.

Manners are better observed here, regardless of one’s economic status, and it all feels just more civilized.

Just today, as I was waiting to pay for my lunch, an elderly man in line, dressed in shirt, tie, suit, after a brief interaction with me on how wonderfully crowded the cafe and how good the food is, schooled his younger office counterpart, “Why didn’t you open the door for that woman with the baby?” He then sent the coworker to fix the situation. Just a few seconds later, a woman behind me asked if I dropped some money because she just found it on the floor. I checked my wallet and replied, “No, I’m good, but thank you for asking.”

These mini life moments make all the difference in the world.

I’ve been frequenting the cinema here, not only for the JDIFF but also because Light House Cinema is downstairs. In all the movies I’ve watched, I’ve never once spotted the invasive light of a cell phone. No one here texts during the movie. No one here texts during a shared meal, either.  Instead, they want to sit down next to you and have a discussion.

If people bump into you, they are genuinely sorry and everyone is quite careful in the pedestrian pace, make sure that they avoid the bumping in to begin with. Additionally, Dubliners still remember that proper door etiquette is to let someone out before walking in.

Finally, there’s a tremendous respect for books. Physical books. Sure, I see people with their laptops and their iPads, but when it comes to reading – novels or newspapers – they prefer pulp. Just about every single pub or cafe I’ve been to has a book shelf. It’s what’s expected.

On my first day here, when the taxi driver took me from the airport to the flat, and when he learned that I’m a writer, he didn’t discuss sports with me. No, instead he asked me who my favorite Irish author is and then proceeded to give me reading recommendations.

People here are just as industrious as they are elsewhere. And with wifi in most places, the population relies on technology, just like the rest of the world. The difference here is that people put people first.