Thank you, Sorry, Have a Nice Day

by Tania LaCaria

I have met people from around the world, and experienced many different cultures, and while I have mostly great things to say about the time I spent in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, I have decided that very few cities have friendlier locals than Toronto.

Niceties from strangers have overwhelmed me since I set foot in Pearson airport a couple of weeks ago. Don’t know what I’m talking about? It’s okay, you’re not alone – most of my friends have lost their perspective on the friendly nature of Torontonians, so I am attempting to summarize what makes Torontonians so gosh-darn affable and pleasant in this short list:

Torontonians (and GTA folk) go out of their way to say ‘thank-you’…for everything. In some other countries, like Panama or Vietnam, you really have to work for a ‘thank-you’. Holding open a door or offering your seat to an elderly person on the bus will not always solicit a verbal ‘thank-you’. You may be lucky enough to attain a smile or a nod of acknowledgment, but some cultures don’t feel the need to thank others for acts that are considered common courtesy. This is not the case in Toronto. I have heard more verbal forms of gratitude per day than I have in a month elsewhere. Torontonians are verbally appreciative, and let’s face it: it feels good to be acknowledged.

Torontonians are mindful of apologizing for even the smallest of transgressions. In most other cities, this is not the case. My bare toes have been stepped on, I’ve been nudged out of line, and baby strollers have been rammed into my shins while visiting other countries; and in most cases, not so much as an ‘oops’ was muttered in my direction. Why? I assume it’s because in the grand scheme of things, these minor accidents are unimportant, and the wrong-doer assumes I know that he/she is not trying to be malicious. It was just a silly accident…no need to apologize. When the same kind of incidents have happened to me in Toronto, most Torontonians have gone out of their way to turn to me and apologize. Torontonians are verbally apologetic, and usually sincere about it.

Torontonians are hesitant to cross streets or parking lots when cars are around. While driving through a busy plaza parking lot recently, I noticed that most pedestrians were standing on the sidewalk in the bone-chilling winter wind, eager to make a move, but unwilling to cross unless oncoming cars were stopped for at least several seconds. I decided that the pedestrians were not scared of being struck by a slow-moving vehicle, nor were they unversed in the art of street-crossing. The hesitation to cross is a result of them being mindful of the drivers who have been trying to get from point A to B in a congested parking lot. In most Latin American and Asian countries, pedestrians walk with conviction – most of the time, they don’t even look to see if the vehicles will stop, and it’s not because they are fearless, it’s because they feel entitled the right of way. Torontonians are more considerate.

I have discussed some of my observations of Torontonian behaviour with fellow civilians, and for the most part, I am met with surprised expressions and disagreement.

Now, please note that although I am admittedly (slightly) naïve and eager to see the best in people, I do recognize that my little “study” of Torontonian behaviour is grossly generalized. Of course there are exceptions to each point I raise, but I maintain that Toronto is home to some of the most polite, friendly and considerate people on Earth. Anyone who strongly disagrees need only spend an extended period of time away from this great city (take a walk down Khao San Road in Bangkok, or the Champs-Elyséesin Paris), and I guarantee upon your return, all the “thank-yous”, “sorrys” and “have-a-nice-days” that you will hear in a single day will remind you that Toronto is at the top of the list when it comes to friendly and welcoming cities.

Image courtesy of Microsoft Office.