Here's what we are going to work on today: keeping the self-absorbed narcissist that lies within to an absolute minimum.
That part exists inside each and every one of us, like it or not.
Some of us repress it more than others, but it's there.
I consider myself a nice person, and I think most people feel the same, but sometimes I can't deny my inner demon.
This demon is the cause of my road rage, impatience with idiots, and inability to avoid answering my cell in a public place.
Honestly, it's gotten worse since I moved to Boston.
I've never been the most patient driver, but I was always a courteous one.
Until I moved here.
In these past four years, my middle finger has not only gotten a workout, I think it's developed a six-pack.
And more and more, I've caught myself answering my phone in lines at stores, and at restaurants.
Kind of rude, but hey, everyone else is doing it...
It's funny how we slowly become desensitized to our own bad behavior.
I was raised to be polite, to hold doors and to say please and thank you.
And, for the most part, these patterns have stuck.
But just as my good behavior patterns have become ingrained, the bad ones are slowly doing the same.
I think I first noticed this sense of self-absorption and entitlement that is slowly leaching into my soul when I traveled down South.
For the first few days, I was irritated by the overwhelming SLOWNESS of it all-I just wanted to go into a store, buy my item, and leave, not have a long conversation with the friendly neighborhood folk.
Then, after a few days, I started to not only appreciate it, but to engage in the same behavior...
I became more patient, more talkative with strangers, and more likely to bestow a random but genuine compliment to someone I didn't know.
And I was happier.
Happier because I was spreading some kindness around, and that just makes you feel good.
Then I came back to Boston.
But as long as we are drawing breath, there is still always time to make some good changes in our behaviors.
Just for one day, do your best not to get angry at that infuriatingly slow driver in front of you.
Take a breath and let it go.
Actually try to smile at a cashier, rather than focusing on your blackberry.
If you're going out for lunch or dinner, treat your waitress like one of your friends or coworkers-with actual (gasp!) eye-contact and attention.
Oh, and leave a good tip-every time you leave less than 18%, an angel loses its wings.
True fact.
There are a million things you can do to be a "nice" person, so figure out what works for you.
Want to give a few bucks to that homeless person you always pass by? Great.
Maybe you can pay the toll for the person behind you.
Also nice.
But you know what? Some of the kindnesses I've remembered the most have nothing to do with money.
Simple human courtesy and caring go a long way.
The best thing about this is how quickly it becomes habit, and how quickly it can spread.
Just as the office idiot can ruin your whole day (and everyone else's as well) with a rude comment or behavior, your one moment of kindness can create an echo that affects everyone around you.
And that feeling of making other people happy will make you want to continue the trend...
which will make you feel better about yourself as well.
Everyone wins!