We were not surprised recently when a longtime resident of Greenwich shared with us her perception that the town was not as “nice” as it used to be. Her sentiments weren’t directed at the town’s aesthetics, rather, it was a more intangible sense she experienced. As we’ve traversed the town in recent days, her observations lingered in our minds.
We couldn’t help but notice a heightened sense of restlessness among drivers, marked by increased honking and impatience behind the wheel. Pedestrians seemed more focused on reaching their destinations than extending common courtesies like holding doors for those behind them. The usual greetings of “hello” and “thank you” were fewer in number. It was almost as if the dial on the “nice” scale had been adjusted downward a few notches in the name of expediency.
Life is demanding, and stress is an inevitable companion. The global and national events unfolding today contribute to a prevailing sense of uncertainty that permeates our local community. Constant exposure to news about conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, ongoing presidential campaigns, and the lack of progress in Washington can take a toll, whether we acknowledge it or not. The incessant stream of negative “Breaking News” alerts from sources like the New York Times often results in unidentified stress, perhaps even fueling anger and a newfound penchant for honking horns.
Given this backdrop of stress and uncertainty, it becomes imperative for us all to make a conscious effort to be a little kinder. Kindness, like happiness, is a choice. As Will Rogers once said, “most men are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Being nice requires practice, and some may view it as an exertion. In the midst of a hectic day, a simple “hello” to a stranger might seem inconsequential, but it holds the power to make a significant difference. We challenge each resident to exchange greetings with those encountered during errands and observe the transformative effect on both faces and feelings. Being nice has a tangible impact on personal well-being.
Psychology Today supports this notion, explaining that being nice and engaging in altruistic acts elevate serotonin levels. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being, is a primary target for many antidepressant medications. In essence, being kind and performing good deeds for others induces positive changes in the brain without the need for prescriptions or concerns about side effects.
We don’t anticipate an instantaneous transformation where everyone in Greenwich is euphorically happy next week. Such a scenario sounds reminiscent of a surreal episode from the Twilight Zone or, more locally, The Stepford Wives. However, we do encourage residents to turn up the “nice” dial a few notches. Is it truly necessary for four cars to simultaneously honk their horns when someone is struggling to make a turn? Such actions only compound an already stressful situation. Holding doors for others and expressing gratitude for small gestures are simple yet impactful ways to contribute to a more pleasant community experience.
In times of stress and uncertainty, both on a national and local scale, let us not succumb to the anger and fear directed at us from various quarters. Instead, let us, as a united community, strive to be a bit kinder to one another. The reward? An enhanced sense of well-being for all, without the need for prescriptions or unwanted side effects.
