View Feedback | Send this Article | Published 3/21/03

Graphic By: Baudi Ratcliffe-Hollins

Patience is a virtue many Americans have forgotten. Instead of cursing under our breath about the moron who nearly ran us over at the crosswalk, think of him as a test. He may be late for a test, or may be just as frustrated as you are. People like that are there to make you more patient. Put yourself in their shoes, and maybe you will realize that we all have frustrations and the world does not always go our way. Frustrations and bad days will pass, but if we forget patience and freak out on some guy we don't know, we will have gained a new enemy and we will still be frustrated.

Surround yourself with people who make you happy. Instead of drinking your face off after a terrible test, take a group of friends to the park and play on the swing set, like you did in high school when you could talk to people without alcohol. Oh yes, and don't forget to make funny faces at the kids until they explode with giggles. Don't you remember all of the incredible things we enjoyed before the stress got to us? Not only will doing enjoyable things with others help you, but it will make the people you involve in your life feel appreciated. Think about how it feels to be invited somewhere by acquaintances. To gain a new friend, no matter how close you are, just feels good.

Always follow the "Golden Rule"! We learned it in elementary school to make us be nicer to our peers. Why did we forget it? When someone drops five bucks in front of you, pick it up and place it in their hand. Don't do your one good deed of the day, do a million of them. Kindness should never have a limit.

Wave at people if they stop to let you walk across the street. Always hold doors for girls and guys. I know you can think of many more great ways to be nicer to people. Do courteous things for everyone else, and maybe they will return the respect. Anyway, the moral of the story is to be nicer to everyone. You will be so surprised how great it will make you feel.