Driving in Metro Manila during the holidays can test anyone’s patience.
Impatient drivers.
Motorcycles cutting through gaps.
Tension everywhere.
Then there was a car ahead of me moving slowly.
On its rear window was a small sign:
“Caution: New Driver.”
Just like that, my irritation softened.
I gave her space.
I gave her patience.
That small sign changed how I saw her.
And it made me wonder:
Would I have been as patient if the sign was not there?
Probably not.
We do not see the signs people carry.
No labels that say:
Going through a breakup.
Fighting depression.
Dealing with illness.
Barely holding it together.
If we could see those signs, we would be kinder.
But we should not need proof of someone’s struggle to offer grace.
So here is a simple rule:
Treat everyone like they are carrying a sign you cannot see.
Because most of the time, they are.