The other day I was hurrying along the sidewalk on my way to get a haircut when someone almost knocked me over. After regaining my balance I turned to see the woman who had bumped into me on the ground. Her dry cleaning was strewn around her.

“Are you okay?” I asked

“Yes, I’m so sorry,” she said. “The plastic wrapping got caught in the door as I left the cleaners and I tripped. I hope you aren’t hurt.”

“Not at all,” I said. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

I helped her pick up her dry cleaning. We smi...