As usual, there was a queue waiting for lift at MRT train platform this morning to go one level up.
The distance between the lift door and the MRT door is probably less than 5 metres. People were queuing in a L-shaped form on both sides of the lift door so they do not block the MRT door when it opens.
There was a caucasian lady with a pram standing by the side of the queue because of space constraint.
The lift came and people moved in quickly from both sides. Soon it was full.
There were still six persons queuing in front of the lady who also couldn't get on the lift. Some had their earpieces on listening to music. Some too engrossed in their mobile phone. Some just stood there like a zombie. Everyone was in their own dreamland.
It seemed the lady was unable to get onto the lift for a while or rushing for time. People in the queue behind her were overtaking her when the lift came and blocking her way as she tried to manoeuvre her pram. She was so frustrated and was shaking her head. Her body language was saying "What the hell all these young people are here for?", "Can't they take the escalator or stairs instead of fighting for the lift with me?"
The train came and more people joined in the queue.
The lady spotted an elderly with a head full of shiny white hair and murmured something to her while gesturing to the elderly that she should go to the front.
I walked up to the lady and offered to help her carry her pram up the stairs. Just then, I remembered she could take the escalator though it's further down from the lift.
She thanked me while sighing in desperation.
The people in the queue turned to look at our direction as we walked away before turning back to whatever they were busy with.
And as usual, those in the queue are the able-bodied people. I may be wrong but none of them looked more than 45 year old unless they've just popped the magic pill this morning that made them looked 20 years younger. All looked perfectly complete unless they've the panic wand to conceal their disabilities. No one looked like they are sick or suffering from any critical illnesses.
Some may think that it's only right that the lady joins the queue if she wants to take the lift. Some may think that they are entitled to use the lift since they are users of public transport.
But do you really lose out in anyway if you let the lady get on the lift before you?
Okay, perhaps you lost that one or two minutes having to wait for the lift again causing you to reach your favorite stall late and noodle sold out.. Perhaps you'll be five minutes late for your meeting this morning. Perhaps that means you have to climb the stairs. Worst case, perhaps your client decides to give his $5 million contract to another company cos you're late.
Maybe you will kick yourself for being a good person.
The stranger you helped to carry the pram, the stranger you let him/her go before you in the queue because he/she is in a rush, the stranger that you paid for his/her drink because he/she has forgot to bring his/her wallet. High chance that you ail never meet him/her again.
What if that lady turns out to be your big boss's wife? Or the one who's going to interview you for your dream job? Or the one who's going to need your services for her own company?
Even if these do not happen, at least you feel better inside for having helped someone or having burned a few calories.
And don't be nice only to people who you know, people you think will be useful to you and people you think you will benefit from.
Interestingly, on the same day, there was a new about the breakdown of the lift at one of the MRT station. Over 10 persons were trapped in the lift for more than 25 minutes. A man who was trapped said the issue would have been solved earlier had there been a professional lift repairman stationed there.
He could have saved himself from getting trapped in a lift at all forever if he had chosen to use the escalator or stairs.
If only he decided not to squeeze into the lift with the other nine persons.