I HAVE become frustrated by articles and comments recently lamenting the ungraciousness of Singaporeans. My frustration does not take root in any disagreement on my part that Singaporeans should strive to be more gracious, but the fact that, although I have never considered myself lacking in social graces, I have apparently joined the ranks of the ungracious. I do not clear my tray at foodcourts.

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Dear Tina Simons,

There are places in the foodcourt where you could return your tray and utensils. I guess you are not observant enough! ; )

It is called the pushcart... the same pushcart that those aunties who chided you for clearing your tray were pushing around while clearing the tables.

If you are worried that those aunties will chide you again, I suggest you return your tray and utensils to an unmannned pushcart, as simple as that!

Cheers,
smu014

PS: When there's a will to be gracious, there's a way. Do not practise double standards just because of a silly chiding. ; )

If one is filled with GP and AP values, chiding is good not bad. It is for one to rise in spirituality when one is chided. How?

Do you know the solution?

If you don't, then more chiding will come as one's attitude attracts it.

Do you want that to happen more and more in one's life?

I have been clearing my plates for so long, but have never been scolded by cleaners. Occasionally they might just take plates from you before you reach their counter.
Try again

Unlike the fast food restaurant and IKEA, the food court are much crowded. The walking space is limited. I already have difficulty walking out, carrying the tray above people who are sitting is difficult and if not careful, the rubbish lands on top of other people head.

Even more difficult for people who are short or girls. They must have strength to hold steady the trays above people's head...

Very difficult!!!

If they want patrons to clear their food trays, have visible clearing stations, with trolleys that people can slot their trays into.

Graciousness is not just about clearing your food tray at the foodcourt. Just like bartop dancing is not indicative of open society.

Graciousness is about having consideration for the other person. Sure, there are no collection points at foodcourts. So did you keep the crockery nicely on the tray so its easier for the cleaner to remove later? Did you clear up that pile of prawn shells you left on the table after you finished your meal?

Did you say a simple "thank you" to the cleaner as he shuffles to your table to clear it for you?

i, for one, have NEVER been chided for returning my tray. in fact, I do it all the time and it somehow brightens my day when i see the look on the cleaner's faces when they thank me. the gratitude is priceless and it makes you want to do it again. been chided before? they have probably had a bad day and you happen to be in the firing line. forget it and move on. i even say thank you to the cleaner who is so busy. why cant it be done? is it ego for some people? i guess my parents brought me up well. cant say the same for some others.

Excuses, excuses... ah... so Singaporean!

This is the typical result of too many FTs in Singapore. Our PM said why our men trained in the NS to clean up and return the trays habbit does not continue to apply outside the camp. Please do not forget in area in Suntec, I believe more than 50% of the visitors there are either FTs or foreigners. So do we want to send those peoples back to the army camp to give them training? And...a lot of the cleaners are also FTs. If we still need to do it ourselves (returning trays), then employ all the FTs here for what har! For them to shake legs??