In the winter you can be walking down a snow-covered city street, and opposite you someone is walking your way. There’s only enough room for one person to walk the thin path. So, who should make way?

【小题1】 How about if the person walking toward you isn’t looking up? You step into the snowbank (雪堆) and let them pass without the need for recognition. This is politeness.

It is not easy to be polite. Just think about it. You’re just as good as the next person. 【小题2】 This is because it is a simple act of kindness.

Growing up in small-town Canada certainly helped me develop an attitude of politeness. In small towns, people generally know each other. 【小题3】 But the true test is with strangers you may not see again. That’s what truly matters.

I’ve seen it happening in a mall when a door opened and two people tried to enter and leave at the same time. One of them held the door open and let the other pass. It cost nothing but the air was suddenly graced (增色) with smiles. 【小题4】

The situations and contexts for human interaction change, but what remains is the politeness that can be exercised. One person, or both, can choose to avoid potential conflict and make it into a polite gesture that will be appreciated.

【小题5】 The simple kindnesses and gestures between strangers may seem small, but added together, they will make an immense difference to the quality of our civilization.