Yes, Don, isn't it interesting to see the look of shock & awe on the faces of those confused people when you are polite & kind to them in heavy traffic?
My Mother always taught my brothers & I to show respect toward all others, so though I certainly am imperfect, I have tried to remember to smile & speak kindly to people. Usually, we hope they pass it on & never see the results. Once, while I lived in Phoenix, I stopped after work one Friday night, at dusk, at a carwash. As I was standing at the change machine, I heard footsteps running toward my back-no small feat in Phoenix evening traffic. As I turned, I saw two rough looking young men right behind me. I smiled warmly at them & said, "Good evening, gentlemen, how are you doing? " (or such as that) The looked sort of surprised, said "How'ya doin?" I said I guess that two big, handome gentlemen like yourselves have a couple of beautiful ladies waiting for you this evening, huh?" "Then they sort of stammerd & then asked if I knew what hours the attendant was there. I told them I was very sorry, but I just stopped there sometimes after work & didn't know their hours. They said, "OK, thanks" & turned to leave. Then I said, "You gentlemen have a nice evening." One turned to me & said, "OK, thanks, maam, you too." Just after they walked away, a lady came out of the dark office & asked me if I knew the men, which I said I did not. She then told me that they were two of the worst gang members in that part of town, & I must have a hundred guardian angels looking after me.