A Simple Interaction

I had the slightest interaction with someone on the MTR a few days ago in Hong Kong. She half-stood up, and at her tiny stature, strained to see above everyone’s heads to find out what station we had just arrived at. She must have just not been mentally present or aware, as they’d just announced it over the loudspeaker in three languages, all of which she likely speaks—her 2 designer bags (LeSport Sac, Coach) and double ‘C’ Coco Chanel rind indicated that she was well-off and educated. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that she doesn’t give in to daydreaming to exit the boring present of the MTR commute like all of us generic-brand wearing public transit patrons. Thus, there was a flicker of panic in her eyes as she tries to decide whether or not it was to push her way through the crowd and out of the open doors of the metro car.

Witnessing all of this in the span of 2.3 seconds, I leaned over and stated, “Jordan.” She locked eyes with my own, and with a sigh of relief, gratefully replied, “Aaah—I’m going to Tsim Sha Tsui.” We rode together without interaction for just one more stop, until she stirred as the train slowed, and looked and me and stated, “Have a seat.” My painfully sore, heeled leather boot-clad feet were very thankful as I watched her escape through the automatic doors, never to be seen in my life again.

It was such a beautiful and simple example of how humans are eager to repay any act of kindness with something of their own. It also shows the benefit of being aware of our surroundings—interactions like these contribute to a brand of happiness that only exists when you help others, however slightly. Making a habit out of gestures like these really can restore faith in fellow man, whether it’s reciprocated like mine was, or only a notion appreciated on the receiving end.