To the two couples having a posh dinner at around 6pm. I AM SO SO SORRY. I thought I could be as quiet as I could in blowing my nose but failed. My dear friend did mention it and I felt so very embarrassed. I was very tempted to pay for each of your desserts but I only thought of that gesture too late. So I ask you to please forgive me, and I hope both tables who heard me had a good night. Once again, I apologize. — Malh

Let’s think about all of the common reasons why drivers get frustrated with pedestrians—they’re slow, they’re erratic and unpredictable, they’re distracted or inattentive, they don’t obey traffic signals, they don’t wear visible clothing and so on. (There are good pedestrians too, but we don’t complain about them.) Now let’s imagine those people driving the way they walk. A slow, erratic, inattentive driver who doesn’t follow the rules of the road, is WAY worse for everyone who uses the roads; drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.

You never know why someone has chosen to be a pedestrian. For many people it’s for financial or sustainability reasons. It could also be that they have an intellectual disability making it difficult to understand the rules of the road; they might be responsibly staggering home while drunk; they might be on a medication that affects their response time; they might be rushing inattentively to get out of bad weather or home to a sick dog; they might be a teenager whose brain hasn’t fully developed the protective awareness measures that adult brains (typically) have; or they might be a terrible driver whose license has been suspended.

As drivers, we are assumed to have adequate reaction times, have committed to minimizing distractions in our cars, to follow road rules,and to look for erratic pedestrians (or cats, or stray children). We have the onus of government-issued responsibility, a pedestrian doesn’t have the same—and might not even be capable of assuming this responsibility. So to all the pedestrians out there who aren’t walking because it’s cheaper or more environmental—THANK YOU! You keep walking, and I’ll pay attention so as not to scare or squish you if you’re walking irresponsibly, even though you might frustrate or startle me. I hope other drivers do the same.

TLDR: Some pedestrians are better off walking; drivers please be patient and attentive to this, and thanks for keeping our roads safe(r) by not driving if you can’t or shouldn’t.
—Pedestrian-compassionate Driver

Sorry for stepping on your heel! I was obnoxiously distracted by my phone, not paying attention to my surroundings, and didn't even see you in front of me. I wanted to apologize, but you kept on walking and had headphones in. Hope your heel is healthy and your shoes are not scuffed up.
—Distracted Student

To the workers of the shop on Barrington, to the two ladies with two daughters watching the parade, to my friends who I play D&D with and to the dear friend who drove me home at around 1am: I hope the cupcakes/cake were yummy!

To the group of people in front of the library who wanted cupcakes, and to the mother and her daughter at the bus terminal: I AM SO SORRY IF I SEEMED LOOPY AND JUST SMILED AND WAS TALKING GIBBERISH. I had been out in the heat all day and regrettably didn't have much to drink since my mind was set on delivering cupcakes and waiting till 6pm to bus it out of Halifax. So all the hugs to everyone and a big SHOUT OUT AND HUG to those who were cleaning up the streets after the parade. <3 <3 <3
—The Boy with Cupcakes

I've always tipped well for every service in Halifax because I know what it's like out here in the hospitality industry—but my hanger got the best of me at a certain pizza place on Saturday, where I angrily put in a $0 tip because my pickup order had been delayed for an hour due to a glitch in the online order. You didn't deserve that. I'll return for more 'za soon and, this time, leave and doubly good tip. —Hangry, now regretful, gal

Not a Bitch but an apology to the couple riding in Shubie on Saturday afternoon. My daughter wiped out as we met you on a blind corner. I was rude to you and I had no reason to be, nor excuse. I’m sorry. I hope my behaviour didn’t detract from your ride on what was a beautiful day in the park.
—Sincerely

I dented your car last night.  I wanted to leave a note but had nothing on me to write with/on. Tobin Street. Black Toyota I think? Comment if this is you. —I’m Really Not That Much Of A Jerk

To the guy on the bus that that was sleeping, sorry for waking you up. You were sleeping for the last 10 stops though! I just didn't want you to miss your stop. I hope you can forgive me and I hope you make it home soon so you can finish your nap. —Trying Too Hard to be Helpful

To the driver of the black car that almost hit me on August 19 around midnight. I might have overreacted. True, you almost hit me but I was also wearing all black with my hood up in the rain. Not very easy to see. so sorry cursed you out! —Hard To See

To the little blonde at the Common who told me to have a happy Canada Day, who I gave a grave look to, who responded with a look of shock, maybe dread even...

I'm sick, just wanted some fireworks footage, was miserable among everyone there and right before you said that, I thought "I can't get along with anyone,” which was then proven.

You didn't do anything wrong. I’m an asshole. —Piece of gutter shit