An Unexpected Lesson From My Vacation Destination

I waited in the train station restroom.

A woman exited the stall, telling me, “There’s no more tissue, but I had some in my purse, so I left a small tissue pack on the dispenser.” 

That is when I knew I am not as kind and friendly as I thought.

Scotland's culture is similar to the United States. We don’t dress differently. Luggage identified us as travelers. In smaller towns, the locals knew we were strangers. Only our accent gave us away as North Americans.

At first, I thought people were friendly because it was their job.

Bus drivers asked how they could help. Hotel clerks offered help with our luggage. Restaurant workers patiently answered our questions.

There was more. Everyone greeted us. Hotel guests we passed in the hallways said hello. The lone local left in the pub wished us a nice evening when we walked out.

I'm not that friendly.

We walked into a pub filled with locals—the bartender nowhere to be seen. After standing a few minutes at the bar, one of the locals reached up to ring a bell. The bartender appeared, coming right over to us. The man rang the bell for us! 

Do I go out of my way to help others?

I might ring the bell. The train station tissue incident told me 'no.'

The day before, I was the woman who discovered no tissue. I had a pack in my purse. I did not leave my pack for the next person. It never even occurred to me.

I need to re-evaluate my actions and words.

The Scottish have set the bar. I’m going to meet the challenge.