Is that but enough? Is being considerate limited to the ones we know (i.e., the ones who expect us to be doing it anyway and not doing it would instead make it a big deal) OR does it extend to every aspect of our day-to-day life?

I often observe situations which makes me wonder, if a similar reaction would come if this involved someone own vis-à-vis a third person whose judgement does not matters to me. A few examples (more of observations) to illustrate this point:

• Disposing garbage carelessly; not arranging/ picking-up things……as the help is hired to do this very thing (“who utha lega” attitude);
• Finding shortcuts ~ reach without an appointment and try and fit in; jump queue (‘ho jaayega’, ‘dekh leenge’ attitude);
• Avoiding eye contact on a metro to not concede the seat to someone who needs it more than I do;
• Shout out loud on the customer care executive who has no control on resolving that situation than to just take your request for resolution;
• Not slowing down when crossing a flooded road where fellow commuters are either walking or are on a two-wheeler having no protection from any splash;
• Not paying heed to give way to someone in need (say, an elderly, or someone on a non-motorised vehicle where he is putting in manual efforts to keep moving vis-à-vis you being in a car and could give way without much of an hassle);
• Abruptly stopping on roads, coming from the wrong side, enter/exit incorrectly et and all (“kuch nahi hota” attitude).

Even I need to be conscious and mindful about my actions and maintain consistency across all situations, for that would define the real me. Likewise, each one of us needs to realize if they are really considerate or are using this word conveniently and not in the true spirit, for, the real you is how you are when no one is judging / watching your action (or inaction)!

As I was thinking of concluding this note, the advertisement campaign from Federal Bank crossed my mind which has the tag line “Rishta Aap Se Hai, Sirf App Se Nahi”. While today, most of our banking (actually not only banking but a lot more….) needs are taken care of with the ease of e-banking without having to interact with anyone, but it cannot replace the ‘gupshup’ you had over ‘cutting’ chai (especially at PSU banks) with the branch manager. While machines can do a lot what humans do today and this would only become more competitive with time, it is the empathy which would be the biggest differentiator with machines. Your being considerate and empathetic towards others, would make this world a better place.