Many days I question the decline of social decency. But I am happy to report that it’s alive and well in two countries I love – Portugal and Ireland. It begins with the simple act of acknowledging the ‘other’ when passing. I grew up in Stratford, Ontario, and remember always saying hello to anyone I came in contact with when walking on the sidewalks. A stranger even! Then things sadly changed – every person to themselves, be skeptical of strangers, and by all means do NOT engage – you could be inviting danger!
So it has been wonderful to experience again, the greeting of another when crossing paths – giving the gift of courtesy as you smile, and saying the appropriate greeting, depending on the time of day. In the morning up to about 12:30 or 1:00pm it’s “Bom dia!”, after lunch/afternoon “Boa tarde!” and at night “Boa noite!”.
Now the Irish are in the same camp, but are a bit more eager to engage. It seems they are just dying to connect – perhaps they are more curious by nature, or just bored – but in my experience they love to say “Hiya!” when you cross paths. Or they are waiting (like eager puppies!) for you to acknowledge them, and they light up when you do. It’s not just adults – children are also keen to say hello – and I think it’s lovely. Human decency! Social protocol! Connecting to a stranger and giving the gift of a smile, and the acknowledgment that they exist, and matter.
I appreciate this, and am grateful for it. And I hope it never changes. Give it a try. “Bom dia!” everyone!
