I grew up (and now work) in a small town. While it's style of government is technically city and it's the 2nd largest municipality in the county, it still hosts a population less than four thousand people. So, anyone coming from a city with even a modest population easily drifts into the "do they roll-up the sidewalks up at dusk" jokes.

I had to bring my van in for some work early yesterday morning. Early enough that I got to walk to work (halfway across town). Along the way I was reminded of how much I love morning people and especially small town morning people. I had three cars intentionally stop to let me cross the street in a crosswalk - two of which clearly did not need to do so. Two other cars cleared away from my walking path to give me the right of way as they were waiting for traffic to clear.

If this behavior had been exhibited towards a woman half my age or a few children, I wouldn't have been surprised. But for five separate motorists to exert that level of courtesy towards a man like myself is simply kindness. You simply can't beat small town courtesy and this pedestrian is grateful for it.