Yesterday, a very long, long day, I flew from SLC to Austin, TX. I became very caught up in "observing" people. It made me think twice and thrice! Such as, do I do that in public? What impression am I giving people? Why do I do some of the things I do? On a flight that had several layovers and so many people are getting on and off the plan, these are some things I observed. First: How often are we "above the rules?" You know, the rules are for everyone else but me, because. . . .because why? Am I better than every one else? Do I know more than the people making the rules? Wow it was an eye opener to me. One individual sitting next to me refused to "turn off her electronic devices" with the statement, "It doesn't really matter if you turn them off, its such a pain to turn my phone off and on, I put it in my purse and they never know. And this is just an electronic book, what is it going to hurt?" Then slithers it down by her side as the flight attendant walks by and "pretends" to turn it off when they ask, 'Please turn off your electronic devices - again." Even though the overhead storage is for "larger carry on items - please stow purses, computers under the seat and reserve the overhead for larger items." Then I watch a dozen people put their purses, lap tops etc in the over-head and people with large cases are trying to find a spot to put their suitcases and a full flight. Are we just so self absorbed that the next person doesn't matter? Then there is the issue of how we dress. So many things have been said by our church leaders about the importance of dressing appropriately. I want to carry a sign which says, "PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHEST TO YOURSELF!" Way too much bending and reaching over and stooping on an airplane to be so clad! Add to this, the "I'm the only one on this plane who is interesting and so EVERYBODY should hear my conversation." I should probablyl be more kind, perhaps they were hard of hearing. The reverse side of the coin was some very kind, considerate, polite actions. A flight attendant who polietly smiled and said, "Honey, I'm so sorry we don't have milk, but the apple juice so so sweet!" An elderly gentleman gave up his seat and moved to another seat to accommodate a "newly wed" couple who were last to get on the full plane. I am going to act better.
