What Happened To Minding Your Manners & Being Considerate?

And no, I'm not just talking about kids these days...adults too!  I came face to face with TWO women today that absolutely floored me with their attitude and rudeness.  I honestly was speechless (and ask my husband, this *rarely* happens).

I went to buy Connor a new pair of  black Converse with neon laces for his big talent show tonight (he's singing lead, yes LEAD! in his band).  I went to Nordstrom at Washington Square because it was right on the way to dropping Bee off with a friend for the afternoon.  When Bee and I got to the parking lot, we parked way out back because I know it takes us awhile to get in and out.  Plus, I'm OCD about my car and don't want anyone to scratch it or dent it.

We took our time in the store and even did a lap around the mall to get some coffee.  When we left, the parking lot had filled up and there were now cars parked on both side of me.  I parked our stroller behind my car and was opening the trunk to put the bag in when someone tapped me on the shoulder.  I jumped because it scared me half to death.  This woman said, "Excuse me--we're parked right next to you and it's obvious that you're going to take awhile getting your things (and with that word she gesticulated with her hand and pursed her lips like I was hauling anthrax around) into your car.  It's a bit cold out here and we really don't want to wait for you and your kid (not baby, KID) to get in".  Wow.  If I hadn't have been holding Bee at the time, I might have smacked the b*tch up.

So I stood there, wrapping the blanket a little tighter around Bee as they hopped in their car and backed out, throwing one last snotty glance at me standing by my back bumper with my stroller, baby and diaper bag.

After I got everything and Bee loaded up and hit the road, I was still in shock (so much in shock that I left my coffee on the top of my car--my precious caffeine people!  I was obviously traumatized!).  I don't think I've ever had someone be that blatantly rude to me.  We were raised to always help others, say "please" and "thank you", open the door for women, hold the door for the person behind you...etc.  My brother is always the first to help someone lift their suitcase into the overhead compartment and I always hold the door, even when I got older and had a baby (or now two!) with me.  We were always grateful, and if we happened to forget to be, we were definitely reminded.  I do not expect kids to be perfect, but I am proud to say that my nephews know "please" and "thank you" *very* well (my 4 year old nephew actually *thanked* me for a "wonderful meal, Aunt Amanda" when I visited) and while we do have to remind Connor to use his manners, he did hold the bus about a month ago for the neighborhood bully that was running to catch it (the one that picks on him the most).

I'm still disappointed in those women and I'm glad Connor wasn't with me to witness that (I truly hope that they were just having a bad day or something and it's not their normal behavior).  I guess my takeaway is this--if you are a parent, please teach and encourage your children to be nice and use their manners, people DO still appreciate it.  And if you are an adult without children, please be patient with those of us who do have children.  We try to move as quickly as possible and we definitely don't set out to make someone's day more difficult.