I went to parallel park on Yonge st today (which always stresses me a little- with everyone pushing and hurried and honking-I always “overshoot” ).
The spot was too small for my dirty van. You know what they say- women have problems spatially because for years men have been telling them what 9 inches looks like and then showing them something -how do you say in your country- much smaller. It is not our fault. We have been misled.
When I realized I was not going to fit in the tight spot I moved forward to a place where a man appeared to be leaving from. I smiled and motioned “are you leaving?” He jumped out of his car and ran over to mine with his not yet expired parking ticket. I said thank-you, I just hope I can get my car in that spot!
He said “do you want me to park it for you?”
I am thinking for just a moment-Are you a car jacker? Of dirty vans?
A murderer? A Charlie Sheen?
a flirt?
Or just a very nice person?
I thanked him and said I could handle it.
Then I saw him 5 car spots ahead and he jumps out of his car in traffic and waves at me to say “there is a really big spot up here for you”. There was at least 9 more inches to spare.
People are honking. Drivers are shaking their heads.
Honestly!
Chivalry.
Kindness.
Doing the extra.
It is still boggling my mind. I can’t get over the difference kindness and a few extra inches makes.