I have figured out that the best way to be instantly loved by complete strangers is to pick up other people's garbage in front of them.
Today I went with Xiao Feng to the uni to take in some sun after a week's worth of rain. The place we went to was here:
In this lovely lake you can often see ducks, fish and many different kinds of birds. Today, because of construction going on on an adjacent building a few big ugly chunks of styrofoam had blown over and into the lake.
I decided to take it upon myself and save the day. I got up off the rock where I had been inspecting a curious looking insect and strolled over with great intent. I scooped out the rubbish and instantly heard a chorus of people saying in Chinese to one another "Oh, my - what a nice guy!" "Well, what a nice person." "Foreigners sure know how to take care of the environment."
But I wasn't done yet. The ducks were zooming in on a large plastic bag that was floating on the water and it was just out my reach. I rummaged around in the bushes and came out with a very large stick and scooped out the plastic bag, disappointing the curious ducks. The bystanders continued their oooing and awing, commending me for a job well done. One such comment went "I thought you were a little nuts at first when I saw you with the big stick, but now I understand - come on over, let's have a chat together!"
The whole experience took all of 3-4 minutes but left me with a wonderful feeling. People love litter picker uppers. I know I do. If you picked up someone else's trash in front of me, even if I had never met you before - you'd have an awesome first impression in my eyes.
On a first date with someone? Pick up someone else's litter in front of them.
Meeting someone for business? Pick up someone else's litter in front of them.
Having lunch with your grandma? Pick up someone else's litter in front of her.
All by yourself? Pick up someone else's litter in front of yourself.
So everyone will love you. But it goes deeper than that. It's fun to pick up litter and it's also a way to connect and give back to nature.
When was the last time you picked up some litter?
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