11/01/2026

ON SUNDAY January 11, 2026 theSunday Special VII

Small everyday choices shape how comfortably everyone coexists BY HANNEF ESQUANDER Living respectfully in society

Public harmony depends less on rules and more on awareness and consideration for others.

T DNLQJ VKRHV R̆ Why do some people feel the need to get comfortable at a restaurant or other public VSDFHV E\ WDNLQJ R̆ WKHLU VKRHV" ,I \RXU shoes are uncomfortable, change them. If \RX DUH ZHDULQJ VDQGDOV RU ÀLS ÀRSV NHHS them on. Nobody needs to see your grubby toes and the dirty soles of your feet. Not clearing up the table A lot of people think that since we already pay service tax at fast food restaurants, it’s WKH VWD̆ ¶V MRE WR FOHDU WKH WDEOHV DIWHU ZH eat. Wrong. We should always clean up and return the tray after eating. There’s no debate about this. It’s simply something we should all do.

Be a good member of the community and do not be so selfish.”

Using earphones prevents noise from bothering fellow passengers.

N O one can live entirely on their own. We all need the support of others and regular social interaction. Without it, our physical, mental and cognitive health may decline, leading to depression, anxiety or weakened im munity. Having said that, being part of society and living in this world among other human beings is not easy. Sometimes it makes us want to crawl into a cave and remain there for the rest of our lives. But kindness, consideration and caring for one another can help us live together harmoniously. We all encounter bad drivers, loud neighbours or rude cashiers. While we can’t change others, we can start with ourselves, remembering that none of us is perfect. Let’s start by being better members of the community, setting the right example for our children, family members, friends and the people in our lives. Here are some bad habits we need to kick immediately. Not understanding the concept of personal space We actually learned and practised this during the pandemic. Somehow, today, we have gone back to our old ways. Respect other people’s personal space by keeping a distance when queuing at the supermarket and especially when waiting for your turn to use the ATM. Why stand so close to the person currently withdrawing cash, making them feel uncomfortable? Does standing that close make the queue move faster? It doesn’t. Unless you are in a crowded MRT train or at a concert where there’s simply no room to move, respect other people’s personal space.

While we can’t change others, we can start with ourselves.”

Scrolling through someone’s photo gallery Our phone is central to everything in our lives, both professionally and personally. There are times when we need to share something work-related with colleagues or a cute photo of our new dog with a friend. When someone lets you hold their phone and look at their photo gallery, don’t scroll back and forth. Why do we have to be so nosy? A phone is a personal device and we need to respect that. Stay RQ WKH VDPH VFUHHQ DQG MXVW KDQG LW EDFN when you’re done. Being late to everything Being late should not be a habit that one proudly uses to describe themselves. 3HUKDSV DV D MRNH EXW QRW VHULRXVO\ Being late shows a lack of self-discipline and respect for other people’s time. Plan, VKRZ XS ¿YH RU WHQ PLQXWHV EHIRUH WKH VFKHGXOHG WLPH DQG VWRS XVLQJ WUḊ F MDPV as an excuse. Littering It’s hard enough to get people to recycle, VR OHW¶V MXVW VWDUW ZLWK WKH EDVLFV 6WRS littering. Your rubbish should always go in the bin. If you’re done with your bottled water or drink, don’t leave it on the table. If there’s no bin nearby, hold on to your rubbish and dispose of it when \RX ¿QG RQH 'RQ¶W MXVW OHDYH \RXU UXEELVK anywhere you like, expecting cleaners to collect it. Be a good member of the com PXQLW\ DQG VWRS EHLQJ VR VHO¿VK

Not using earphones There is nothing wrong with scrolling through social media or watch ing films on your phone in public places, especially while using public transport like the MRT or the bus. But if you’re not using earphones or headphones and have the volume

on full blast, then we have a prob lem. In Japan, this kind of inconsiderate behaviour is highly frowned upon. Respect other people’s peace. Nobody needs to hear the same video that only you find funny playing on a loop.

Respect starts with showing up on time.