Respect

I walk my dog every morning and on some mornings we would bump into one of the cleaners of the estate. He looks like a very sad person, and at the same time quite an angry one. 

On two occasions, my dog went into his path by accident. I did not see this man as he walked past us quite silently. So I tried my best to pull my dog back with the leash but too late - the man would glare at me, as if looks could kill. Mind you, on both occasions, my dog never touched him. I was very apologetic and told him that I did not know that he was coming from behind us. But he wouldn't say a single word, except to glare at me as if he wants to jump into a fight with me. I shrugged it off as something really beyond my control. 

Two days ago, at lunchtime I saw this man sitting all by himself away from his friends/colleagues. He was really sad looking, no smile and no eye contact with anyone. I am convinced that I am possibly not the only person he wants to get into a fight with. I wonder how can someone live their lives the way he does. I am quite sure he has his fair share of life's problems that is bogging him down.

I think he represents a relatively high percentage of the world's population where they see life as a struggle, and that everyone else and everything are obstacles to what they wish to achieve in life. Unfortunately, it is the same group of people who may never get a chance to move out of the mode and state of negativity. Because of their negative perspective of life, whatever help is given to them may be perceived in the wrong light, whatever kindness may be received with cynicism.

But I have hope for humanity as a whole. I believe that if each of us continue to play a part to remain positive and not to play the game of tit for tat. We can see positive changes in the world and in the mindsets of humanity.

As for me and my cleaner friend I will continue to smile at him and say hello in respect for another human being, no matter how he responds.

:-)