As it is, it’s difficult to receive a reciprocated smile, and warm hello. Today we’re consumed by our phone screens and are constantly looking down, avoiding eye contact, and participating in who has the most unfriendly face contest, that no one asked you, or wants you to be a part of. Finals week, as most of the year does, drowns us in homework, studying, and neglecting to feed ourselves. In the wise words of the Fray, “I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing.” With all the stress and pressure we’re carrying on our shoulders, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for to try and remain kind. Especially, since we all know what one another is going through.
Possible scenario one:
You woke up after your sixth alarm, didn’t have any time to eat, you can barely breathe out of your left nostril, and your head is pounding. You tripped walking down the stairs, and spilled half of your coffee on your white converse. You’re walking back to your room and see your best friend, they pick you up and give you the biggest embrace. A loud, friendly, and comforting “hey!” and a warm comforting hug. The coffee on your shoes turns into somewhat of a laughable matter, it could have been worse right?
Possible scenario two:
You woke up in a good mood. Showered, had time to eat, feel a little sick because who doesn’t this time of year, but managed to get to class early, studied hard the night before, and walked in feeling prepared and confident. Half way into the test the girl to your left gives you a cold stare, walking out she bumps into you, and makes the most snarky comment. Sorry, is this high school? Friendly, reminder we are in college. Keep your rude and unnecessary remarks to yourself. Even though you know you shouldn’t allow it to ruin your day, it does. You think about how you probably should have tripped her, or flipped her the bird, but you’re a decent person and tried to let it go.
We’ve all experienced possible scenario one, two, and probably three, four, five, six, seven, etc. The point is we’re all stressed, all going through something. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that others are going though the same as you. It’s nice to see a friendly smile in the hall, receive a hug that makes you realize that everything isn’t as bad as it seems, that you’ll be okay even if you’re converse are a little coffee stained, and you’ve gone through two boxes of tissues and now have a toilet paper roll sitting on your desk. It’s all good.
"The world is full of nice people. If you can't find one, be one."
