As the adage goes: "Never judge a book by its cover", I can only agree by saying "how true".
I've made a general observation on my way to school everyday as I rush into the crowded train and be prepared to be sandwiched - Singaporeans are not rude, or unfriendly, they just don't smile.
Recently, my friend was labelled as being "fierce", just as I was back in Secondary school, especially when we did not smile. "Arrogant" probably comes into the picture as well. However, after many of our friends began to know us, they realised that we weren't like that. It was all in a simple action of smiling that broke the ice.
I was often under the notion that Singaporeans are not a courteous bunch - not at all. And I always tend to compare how we're treated when I go overseas, especially to Western countries. Westerners love to help, love to interect with their neighbours, are very welcoming group of people and essentially - love to smile. Hence they are often deemed as approachable and nice. And they have shaped a community that is sharing.
So one day, I decided to put this theory to a test - If Singaporeans are truly rude or not. I tasked myself to smile to people - anyone who comes along the way, especially those who looked really fierce with their big eyes and stand-offish attitude, and those who walked with their noses up in the air.
You'll be surprised. I smiled to an old lady who seemed nonchalent about absolutely anything, a female working executive who had a sharp look and seemed to own the world, the man who distributed TODAY newspaper to me, and an old man who just needed a seat. All of their faces broke into a geuine smile, with hints of warmth in their all-so-brown eyes. Their smiles brightened up my day.
Then just another day, I saw this little girl (whom I reckon is about 9 years old) carrying her heavy school bag walking into the mrt. She was sandwiched in between many people and couldn't get to hold onto a bar. During the mrt ride, she almost fell, and I held on to her. She started searching for the hand on her bony shoulder that supported her, and when she saw my face, she simply smiled. And that smile creeped into my heart.
Just a simple action on our part can brighten someone's day.
My conclusion: Singaporeans are just like our country - Beautiful. They only need to smile to spread their love to the world.
So today, just SMILE to whoever you meet. =)
I've made a general observation on my way to school everyday as I rush into the crowded train and be prepared to be sandwiched - Singaporeans are not rude, or unfriendly, they just don't smile.
Recently, my friend was labelled as being "fierce", just as I was back in Secondary school, especially when we did not smile. "Arrogant" probably comes into the picture as well. However, after many of our friends began to know us, they realised that we weren't like that. It was all in a simple action of smiling that broke the ice.
I was often under the notion that Singaporeans are not a courteous bunch - not at all. And I always tend to compare how we're treated when I go overseas, especially to Western countries. Westerners love to help, love to interect with their neighbours, are very welcoming group of people and essentially - love to smile. Hence they are often deemed as approachable and nice. And they have shaped a community that is sharing.
So one day, I decided to put this theory to a test - If Singaporeans are truly rude or not. I tasked myself to smile to people - anyone who comes along the way, especially those who looked really fierce with their big eyes and stand-offish attitude, and those who walked with their noses up in the air.
You'll be surprised. I smiled to an old lady who seemed nonchalent about absolutely anything, a female working executive who had a sharp look and seemed to own the world, the man who distributed TODAY newspaper to me, and an old man who just needed a seat. All of their faces broke into a geuine smile, with hints of warmth in their all-so-brown eyes. Their smiles brightened up my day.
Then just another day, I saw this little girl (whom I reckon is about 9 years old) carrying her heavy school bag walking into the mrt. She was sandwiched in between many people and couldn't get to hold onto a bar. During the mrt ride, she almost fell, and I held on to her. She started searching for the hand on her bony shoulder that supported her, and when she saw my face, she simply smiled. And that smile creeped into my heart.
Just a simple action on our part can brighten someone's day.
My conclusion: Singaporeans are just like our country - Beautiful. They only need to smile to spread their love to the world.
So today, just SMILE to whoever you meet. =)
Labels: General Affairs
