Hey buddy can you spare a stamp?

I was at the post office this afternoon mailing the copies of my book to the individuals who showed interest in reviewing it. I used the machine in the lobby just like I always do instead of standing in the line inside. I had just finished with the machine, checked my post office box and I was standing at the lobby "window" ringing the bell for service when this woman came in the lobby. Mail had been delivered to my box in error so I was waiting to give it to someone working at the post office as the woman stood there at the lobby machine looking perplexed. I was just about to ask her if there was something I could help her with when a gentleman came to the door to help me. I gave him the mail that was not mine, turned and headed toward the door. When I finished I noticed that the woman was no longer at the lobby machine and she was standing at the door looking inside the main part of the post office. I decided she must have answered her question so I continued toward the door to leave. The woman decided to ask the man at the window for help. What she wanted to know was if there was a machine to purchase a single stamp or did she have to get in the line inside the main post office for a single stamp. The man informed her that she would need to wait in line. Overhearing this conversation, I was not eavesdropping I just couldn't help but hear the conversation, I started taking my wallet out of my purse and pulling out a stamp. About this time the woman was complaining to the man that she should not have to stand in line for one lousy stamp. Just then I reached over toward her and handed her the stamp I had pulled from my wallet. Why is it these days that anytime you do a kind deed for someone they look surprised and almost astonished? She of course was very appreciative and wanted to pay me for the stamp and I told her just to return the favor to someone else at a later date when they needed a stamp. What happened to that country unity right after 9/11? Everyone pitched in, helped their neighbor, etc., and these days we're almost afraid to even say hello to each other. With Facebook, Twitter, eMail, and just the Internet in general, we find that we don't even need to speak to one another any more. We can just IM, Tweet, eMail or whatever is the technie thing of the day. Since 9/11 we've become so wrapped up in ourselves and our family that we forget to smile at one another, say hello, or even hold the door for someone. It's sad that in eleven short years American's have become so separated from one another even when it comes to common courtesies. Try surprising or shocking someone today by helping them out in some way.