This is very common in India, and all of us have experienced it :)
Today morning, I went to the post office. I wanted to send a registered post to Russia. 3 guys were standing in front of me in the line. I went and stood behind them. Suddenly, one guy comes into the post office and doesn't seem to care the line and directly goes to the counter. I remain bewildered. If he is in an urgency, he could have said 'excuse me', or even if he politely requested, no one would have said 'No'. But, he, with all his attitude went to the counter. I was standing there for 10 mins. He got his post placed first. I wanted to remind him, that I am waiting. But, I felt it is useless.
And this guy, who barged in without any kind of feeling of guilt, as if it is his right, faces a problem at the counter. He has to give 2 Rupees, but has 100. No change. And suddenly, a 75 year old man took a 2 Ruppe coin and gives him. He stands amazed. He says "No. Thankyou". But the old mas says, "Please take it. I'm not doing any favour. You'll have to waste half an hour in finding a 2 Ruppe coin. Please let me give. It is absolutely fine." He thanked the old man again and again. I felt good about that old man. :)
A guy standing before me asked for a pen. I gave it. He used it, and returned it, and stood behind me. I saw him waiting before me. Just that he used my pen due to a mistake, it doesn't mean he'll stand behind me. I gestured him to take his place, which was before me. he said "Thank you" While we were waiting in the line, we talked about registered post and speed post prices. It was nice.
After that, I went to the ATM to draw money. I was 3rd in the line again. One army officer (protector of the nation!!) came and was barging into the ATM before me, thought he could see that I'm waiting since long. This time, I decided not to be quiet. You know, what I did? I stepped aside and gestured him, "You first, please" The man was pleased and happy, and said "Thank you", went in, did his work, came out and thanked me again. I felt good.
I drew the money, and came out. The security guard shouted, "Sir, you forgot to take your card back. " I smiled and he returned my card, and an American girl standing there smiled at me, gesturing how big a problem, I have been saved from :) (losing the card).
At the end of all this I was happy. But started to think. Why some people don't follow basic etiquette? If some one is waiting since before you, how dare you barge in front of him, as if it is your right? Every one has their own urgency. If yours is more urgent, request politely.
I started wondering, is only India like this? Or every country has such kind of jokers? I don't care about other countries. I want Indians to be well behaved towards each other.
