Whenever people are in my way, I’ll ask them politely to give way by saying with eye contact if possible,
“Excuse me?”
Though it could be longer like,
“Could you please step aside and let me pass through?”
After they gave way, I’ll thank them by saying,
“Thank you!”
Or a smile, a nod of head to appreciate their kindness.
But I do realize that most of Malaysian, to be specific, those people working in the office, dress professionally, well groom. Yes, those type of people, whenever they ask people to give way, they will give their ugliest face ever, no eye contact, face look down to the ground, like they are inspecting your toe nails whether it got dirt stuck inside and saying with their worst voice ever,
“ASSCUSE MEE!”
Then you gave way, they are through, and that’s all! Not even thank you for giving way, instead left a trail of fart as they are walking further.
Whenever you are asking people to give way, people don’t owe you the way, space or path. You are asking for a favour, so please ask politely and thank them afterwards.
So what if they are graduate from top universities with first class academic result, dress professionally, working in multinational company and earning big ass income that could afford fine dining on every single meal but with awful social responsible and essential communication skills, by saying thank you that the poor understands them dearly and clearly express them whenever people gave them tender, love, and care.
I’m sure our parents thought us to thank people whenever they gave us something, to appreciate them. But as we grew older, we tend to forget about this beautiful ethic, these little words with big meaning and show our appreciation in return.
Instead, only use it on “intention”, like asking people to complete certain task on behalf of you, to close a business deal with big client and etc.
Everything single little thing people do it for you, please thank them and show your appreciation and acknowledge their kindness. If you don’t, people might dislike you, you lose! But if you do, it generate a positive image for you, you win!
Have you thank someone today?