Random Human Interactions

Today I was at the mall (yes very American) with a friend. She got hungry so we went to the food court and she got some food. Upon sitting down the guy next to us asked if he could have some fries. My friend willingly gave him some to which he was shocked. Saying that he asks people that all the time as an experiment and usually they say no or throw something at him. He asked why we were being so polite and I explained to him that we weren't from America, and maybe that was why. I told him I was from Australia and that my friend was from Austria. We proceeded to talk about why we were here, why come to Philadelphia, why be an AuPair. That sort of thing. He talked a bit about the US and explained how different parts of the US come with different people with many different attitudes. He said go down south and you'll find the polite people, those that will take the time in their day to notice and care about someone other than themselves. In these parts, New York, California, Chicago. Don't expect people to give you the time of day. Especially in Philadelphia. Apparently it has been labelled the rudest city in the US, and I can understand how that is true. He asked me what I was planning on studying when I got home and I said something in Business, most likely marketing. He said that I would be great at that, as in the last 10 minutes of conversation I had been very well spoken and sure of myself and my decisions. It's funny cause I never see myself that way. I always doubt everything I say, and think it all sounds silly. But today a complete stranger made me feel like the decision I was making for my life might just be the right one. Who knows what will happen. But today I realized you never know where you will find affirmation, or a relief in your decision. So thank you to that person, he never said him name.