According to Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island, one of the things he loves about the British is their sense of politeness, for example how they say “sorry” when you stub their toes (not that trying this out on purpose is recommended!). Although I myself am used to the hellos, excuse mes and thank yous, I was pleasantly surprised today.
I was tending my garden and sneezed, when I heard a “bless you” from over the hedge. Now, I had no idea who this person was (apart from that it sounded like a young boy, perhaps 12 years old or so) or even what he looked like. Therefore it was highly likely that he couldn’t see me either. It was highly unnecessary and we would never know if we were ever to meet again. But all the same, he had the courtesy to say something when I sneezed.
Bless polite people like this.
I love polite people too! It’s the little things that really makes peoples days. 😀