In the words of my three-year-old and a character from a popular sitcom, “How rude.” Lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend of individuals so wrapped up in their own worlds that they can’t even be bothered to hold a door open for a mother navigating a stroller with a toddler in tow. Today, that mother was me.
It wasn’t exactly my ideal plan to step into a coffee shop with two small children. However, when your three-year-old urgently announces that they need to use the restroom, it’s a race against time to prevent a car seat disaster. Spotting a Starbucks, I made a quick decision: I could grab that much-needed caffeine and my daughter could relieve herself.
As I approached the entrance, I noticed plenty of adults lounging outside—this is Florida, after all. I was wearing a hefty backpack filled with essentials, pushing a sizable one-year-old in a stroller, and carrying my three-year-old daughter. I paused at the door, scanning the scene. There were at least seven adults around—both men and women—but not a single person stood to help. I decided to channel my inner Elsa and let it go. I set my daughter down, instructed her to stay close, and awkwardly pushed the heavy door open with my foot, all while maneuvering my children inside.
After placing my order, I rushed my daughter to the restroom, only to find it locked. She began doing the “pee dance,” clearly desperate. At that moment, an impeccably dressed older woman exited, glanced at us, and slammed the door behind her. I was left speechless as she walked away.
My daughter looked at me and asked, “Mommy, why didn’t she hold the door open? She’s a grown-up.” I shook my head in disbelief. As if to make a point, my daughter attempted to hold the door open for me and her brother. I cringed, worried about the germs festering on her hands. She finally made it to the bathroom, and I was ready to make a swift exit.
After finally getting my coffee, I glanced back at the group of people still gathered by the door. Surely, one of them would be kind enough to help out. I was now juggling hot coffee, pushing a stroller, and wearing my daughter, along with my heavy backpack. Yet, not a single person offered assistance. Among them was a doctor in scrubs, several men in their forties, a mother with her son, a businesswoman, and a grandfather.
After several struggles with the door, we finally escaped. My daughter turned around and remarked, “That was rude.” At just three years old, she understands the importance of helping one another. She knows that kindness and respect matter, that we should all look out for one another. Personally, I always hold the door open for the person behind me without even checking who it is. Perhaps it’s my Midwestern upbringing, but it’s also simply being a decent human being.
Maybe I should have asked for help directly. But, as my daughter pointed out, all those adults saw me struggling. I remain hopeful that her generation will embrace kindness and respect, countering this self-absorbed trend we seem to be in. I will teach my son to always hold the door open, and I will instill in my daughter the importance of compassion. How we treat others can significantly impact their day—and perhaps their life.
So, the next time you see someone in need (or me), lend a helping hand. We are all in this together. If you want to learn more about home insemination, check out this informative blog post.
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Summary
The author shares a frustrating experience at a coffee shop where no one offered to help her as she juggled her two children and a heavy backpack. This incident highlights the growing issue of self-absorption in society and emphasizes the importance of kindness and helping others, especially parents.