Quality of life is something we have long been proud of in Greater Owensboro.
Being born and raised here, one particular aspect I have always been proud of is the hospitality we show to one another.
Hospitality means more than saying hello to a passerby. Hospitality means small courtesies given to others. Opening a door for someone with their hands full; asking someone who seems distressed if they need a hand; letting a fellow motorist merge into your lane or make a turn in traffic congestion; stopping for funeral processions; saying thank you, please, excuse me. And smiling.
The list goes on. And just writing this makes me proud of our community thinking of all the times I have seen this hospitality each day. It is who we are.
Not only is being kind, helpful and courteous the right thing to do — it’s good for business. We hear so many stories at our office of people or businesses who moved to Owensboro after a visit because they were blown over by the warmth.
Lately, however, there seems to be a lack of patience in our restaurants, grocery stores and other service areas. And this impatience is directed toward the individuals who are working to serve our food, bag our groceries, take our packages, tend to our health needs — people who dedicate their days to providing service to others.
Several people have contacted me directly about their experiences seeing this, or being the subject of, impatience and ugliness.