You may not have noticed, but these past couples of years have been a bit crap. And I don’t know about you, but this has made me realise that the people around me are more important than ever. Now speaking of people, there are loads of them. Billions in fact. World’s full of ’em! Most of these people you don’t know, yet you are part of a small social circle inside a large one. Your immediate social circle includes people you care for and respect or love. Such people are your family, friends and co-workers. In turn, these people have their own ripple effect on social circles.
Over time, humans have evolved specific patterns of behaviour that govern how you are expected to act both inside your immediate circle and society at large. For example, to better care for your close social group, you are expected to help when required and provide support. You won’t be expected to do this for people you don’t know. In addition, there are broader patterns of behaviour that you must adhere to for simple appreciation of people you aren’t familiar with.
Being there for people
Life is filled with ups and downs. You might feel you are there for the ride, and sorrowful events happen only to others. But a time will come when you are struck by tragedy. If you are lucky. Your friends and family will gather around to show their support. For example, in times of loss and uncertainty, support from others means the difference between getting through or breaking down completely. So you must support people when they need it.
Siblings, friends, relatives and colleagues. They all require support at some point. And should you need it at some point, they will be there for you. Support comes in many forms. A shoulder to cry on, simply listening or running errands in stressful times. Of course, flowers and small gifts like the Get Well Soon collection from Flowercard are a welcome little treasure for people going through a tough time.
Don’t miss out
Like being there in times of need, you can show your support for someone at particular times of the year or life’s milestones. Traditionally, such events are celebrated with family and friends. These make for some of the best life moments that show someone how much you appreciate them. But, of course, an appropriate gift is welcome, and it doesn’t have to cost the Earth.
For most, just the act of turning up to a planned event like a birthday or a wedding anniversary party is enough to show that you care and are in turn appreciated. When it comes down to it, most people don’t care about expensive gifts and novelty items. They just want the people they care about to attend to further strengthen the bonds of friendship.
Give respect to get respect
You don’t need to be old to be wise. But when you are older than someone, the other person likely looks up to you somehow. As an older person with influence in someone else’s life, you have a social responsibility to lead by example, impart wisdom and be the change you want to see in the world.
Your behaviour, beliefs and words will directly affect anyone in your immediate social circle. You should therefore respect others yet at the same time demand respect. This is done by imparting your wisdom to others. Don’t be afraid to speak, but only when it benefits everyone and does not aim to alienate someone else based on their beliefs. It might not seem like it, but we really can all get along if we try.
Normal behaviour
There are various social norms to which we are expected to conform. For the most part, that comes easily and naturally to many people as it is socialised into behaviour early. Yet many find it difficult for many reasons. Development disability, trauma and poor socialization are just some of the primary reasons you could go against social norms.
Social norms consist of Folkways, Mores and Laws. Folkways are standard and expected social behaviour such as respecting personal space, waiting in a queue for something or holding a door open. Mores are a little more complex, apply to ethical and moral situations, and are based on beliefs. For example, the Halakhah law of Yichud prevents an unmarried man and woman from being locked in a room together. Finally, laws are governed by the state, and everyone is expected to conform at the risk of imprisonment or public punishment.
