Can I have a hug?

Mean people suck. That is my favorite bumper sticker. It’s a simple declarative statement that says so much about the driver. You can assume that they are nice. Also, they probably have some semblance of social awareness. Most importantly they care enough about how we treat each other to make a public declaration of their opinion.

The person in the cubicle next to me was a mean person. She was one of the layoff casualties. Working with her was the one part of my job I hated. Who wants to hear people slam things around? Her tone of voice sometimes was chilling. She was also one of those people who must have everything her way, and I mean everything. The simplest and most routine interactions had the potential to become a battle.

I know I didn’t enjoy working with her but I didn’t realize how much of an influence she had on the office as a whole. It’s like the air is lighter. People smile and laugh more now that she’s not here.

Niceness is like a drug. It makes you feel good and it’s addictive. There’s no reason to be snotty to the waitress, just explain what you want to her in a nice way. Did you know you get better service if you are nice? Try it. Are you really the most important person on the road? The roads are so much safer and enjoyable when we show each other a little common courtesy. Go ahead let somebody merge in front of you. Parents, stop yelling at your kids for every little thing they do, especially in public, it humiliates them.

If only we all thought that mean people suck. We could start a nice people revolution. “Mean people” behavior would not be tolerated. Beware all you mean, rude, pushy, demanding people who have to take the rest of us along on your miserable ride. We’re not going to take it anymore.