When you start typing “Canadians are… into Google, it suggests ‘weird’ as an ending to that sentence, but I would like to proffer ‘polite’ as a far more accurate description. I’m not Canadian, but I have been living in the heart of Toronto for nearly four years now and I can guarantee that Canadians truly are the most polite people on earth. Here’s some of the sweet, sweet ways in which they brighten my every day.
Sorry, eh!
I know Canadians tire of being teased about this, but really, when I bump into you on the street and you still apologise, I want to give you a hug. It’s awesome, please keep it up.
Cat Callin’
I’ve never enjoyed the lewd remarks, sounds and gestures that sometime accompany a stroll past a construction site, but last week when I was down on Parliament, a construction worker yelled: “You look like a nice lady!” Bless him.
Getting involved
We live in the fourth largest city in North America, so yes, there are times when things get a little weird on the subway. Whenever this happens, some concerned fellow commuter always has your back.
Queuing!
Thank you (seriously) so much for this. Canadians always queue, they never push in and if someone actually does skip the line, they seethe silently but remain faithfully in their spot.
Lending a hand
My weekly grocery shop requires a subway ride from a station with no escalator. I return dragging my bulging granny cart and while I’m wrestling it up the stairs, someone always offers to help. One time, a lady got off at my stop just to help me up the stairs and then got back on the subway. True story!
You’re generous
Almost to a fault! I’ve had people handing me free water when I was jogging on a hot summer day, someone gave me a token once when I was fumbling with change at the subway, someone holds a door for me at least once a day and they move out of the way when they see me dragging my granny cart along the street (although to be fair – this may be more out of fear!)
Oh Canada, you inspire me to be more generous, friendlier and more open to just about everything. I love your tolerance of people who are different from you and how you own guns but never use them on each other. I love that you think everyone should be educated and healthy. I love that poutine is your (unofficial) national dish. I adore the fact that beaver tails are something you eat. You’re pretty great so please don’t ever change.