When attentiveness becomes a societal habit.

As we enter the month of love, many people think of romantic relationships between two people. However, looking broader, love may not be confined to personal spaces but is also reflected in how people interact in daily life, in the spaces we share with strangers we don't necessarily know well.

Love in this sense may not manifest itself through words or celebrations, but rather in the small details of being together. Politeness, consideration, and respect for each other's space are what allow society to function smoothly.

For a superpower like the United States, those following international news may have noticed a decline in the atmosphere of politeness and deference in public spaces over the years. Amid intensifying political and social conflicts, blunt and unfiltered expression, the refusal to apologize, or confrontational language can be interpreted in some ways as a symbol of sincerity or strength, leading to an overall rigidity in society, particularly online and in public forums.

On the other hand, observing daily life, especially from the author's own experience living in the United States, it's evident that small details reflecting respect for others still exist in many contexts. This includes stopping for pedestrians to cross, holding doorknobs to prevent those following behind from getting hit in the face, or queuing in an orderly manner. These behaviors may not be prominent enough to make headlines, but they are still evident. But it is a form of... "Social love," hidden within everyday life, is a part of a lifestyle that doesn't have to be romantic, but enables people to coexist amidst the differences and hustle and bustle of society.

At the same time, it must be acknowledged that these behaviors are not consistent across all US cities or in all situations (especially in metropolitan areas like New York City or Chicago). The hustle and bustle and density of urban life may cause people to prioritize efficiency over social interaction.

Such diversity reflects that the United States is not a perfect model, but merely one example of a society striving to find its own balance. Today's thought-provoking discussion therefore invites you to explore the subtle cultural details that reflect the mindset of societies in this superpower.

Culture is often invisible, yet it profoundly impacts the quality of life. Often, people only perceive feelings like, "I feel comfortable here," or "Why is it so stressful here?" without being able to clearly explain it. The livability of a society is not solely due to laws, but also to small behaviors that people repeatedly choose to perform, which eventually become shared habits within that society.

An obvious example is the concept that streets are public spaces for everyone. In many US cities, cars always stop to let pedestrians cross the street first. This action is not just an act of kindness, but reflects an acknowledgment of the basic rights of those who are more vulnerable, and in another sense... It can be viewed as a form of concern for the lives of others, even if it's just a stranger passing by for a brief moment.

Similarly, holding a doorknob to prevent others from bumping into you, saying "Excuse me" when passing someone, or waiting in an orderly queue may seem like small behaviors, but they reflect acceptance of the presence of others. They silently say that we are not alone in this space and that our actions always affect others.

Queuing also reflects the concept...The topic of equality in daily life. Regardless of a person's background, language, or social status, everyone has equal rights when in line. Conversely, the problem in many societies that constantly face queue-jumping may not be due to a lack of understanding of the rules, but rather the implicit acceptance that some people can disregard the rules, gradually making inequality a normal part of daily life.

The language of politeness serves a similar function. The word "sorry" in American culture isn't always tied to admitting guilt, but rather is a social language that helps reduce friction between strangers. It shows how our actions affect others. In some cultures, apologizing may be tied to pride, causing many to avoid saying it, even if it can help resolve the situation.

Another dimension is respect for time and public space. Arriving late without prior notice is seen as disrespectful because time is considered a part of other people's lives. Similarly, not making noise on trains (though certainly not the New York or Chicago subways) or in libraries reflects a culture of self-control to allow others to comfortably share the space.

What the author observes from these examples is not that American society is better or a perfect example.[1] Rather, it is the design of social rules that ensures people don't need to be exceptionally kind to coexist without burdening others.

At the same time, Thai society possesses another equally intense form of love: warmth, mutual support, and the bonds between people in daily life (partly reflected in the use of terms like "พี่" (older sibling) and "น้อง" (younger sibling), even with strangers). This is a valuable cultural asset. Cross-cultural learning, therefore, is not about imitation, but about selecting what helps societies coexist better within their own context.

Ultimately, the foundation of a good society may not come solely from public policy, but may also begin with the small details we choose to do for each other every day…

Because sometimes, the greatest love isn't found in words, but in the way we treat the people around us, even if they are just strangers we pass by for a brief moment.

Source: column "Bang Khun Phrom Invites Thought," issue dated February 10, 2568.
โดย Supharit Suwannik, a doctoral student in Household Financial Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.

**This article represents personal opinions and does not necessarily reflect the views of others.**

[1] Japan or other developed countries in Europe also see examples of what the author has mentioned above.