The small, seemingly insignificant, day-to-day, friendly gestures that we can easily take for granted, connect us to community.
It might not look the same across different cultures, but respect translates to any language. It took me being homesick halfway around the world to truly appreciate the value of genuine respect and kindness. In 2014, I was in Afghanistan wrapping up my time in the Army when I had the vision for Polite Coffee: great coffee with real friendly people. When complete strangers go out of their way to show you kindness, it reinforces a sense of belonging. Through daily, ordinary acts of kindness, Polite Coffee is building community.