Purple Haze

By Juhi Bansal

Today I’ve decided to rant. So so much! A lot of things have been on my mind for a long time. I know most of you feel the same- it’s a bitter pill- you don’t know when to spit and when to swallow. I totally get you. People around me (well-travelled, well educated, well-read and well-to-do) do the below on a daily basis. Sometimes, I turn a blind eye, after all I’ve picked up enough fights to last a lifetime but sometimes I give in and either speak out or clean after them. Especially if Iy is watching. Or any other kid. After all, they learn from us don’t they?

Ahmedabad has a fun roadside food culture. I love this about the city so much. Food unites people from all strata here. But, throwing wrappers, used bottles, disposable coffee glasses and paper plates on the roadside? Now you will say- But, don’t the serving staff also do it? If I give it to them they are also ultimately going to throw it on the road. Um well, you can get out of the car and take them to the nearest bin. If it’s too hot, carry them back with you and then trash them at home or office. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen plastic bottles being thrown out of BMWs and Mercedes. You may be keeping your car clean but the world around you will always be dirty- because of you!

Driving on the wrong side because taking that U-turn is inconvenient and you are running late. Driving without the seat belt on. Driving and texting or talking on the phone. Or the worst, getting toddlers to sit in the passenger seat in the front. These are not just unpleasant habits, they are hazardous- not only to you but others around you.

Leaving your used plates and cutlery on the table in a self-service restaurant, food park or even at home and expecting the staff to carry it for you. It takes a maximum of 5 secs to clear it out yourself. What makes us feel so entitled that we would want someone else to clean after us?

Disparaging someone or someplace on social media. You are the masters of your own mind. You are free to think what you want. But, when you put it out on social media for everyone to read you are unknowingly stirring discussion and thus influencing opinion. Try and restrain yourself from speaking without thinking especially on social media. Remember you can never truly delete your words once they are out on the web.

Respecting Public Property. Leaving the lights and machines on in a community gym or getting your car washed everyday. (you may be using your personal cleaner but water is public goods).

What are some of your pet peeves? Do you get annoyed with small things around you? Write in and share the pain :).

Also, in other news, breaking some rules yet again. Light colour bottoms are a strict no no specially in a formal setting since they make you look stouter and shorter. Also, pairing two extremely contrasting colours- purple and powder blue!