There's a lot of discussion about how horrible some people are to those in the public eye that they disagree with. It's right to discuss it, and seek to address it, obviously. But it would also be a mistake to forget that most people aren't like that at all, far from it. For eg:
Yesterday I was on the tube, and the chap sat opposite me was looking quite intently. He leaned forward to speak, and I naturally wonder what's about to happen. He was really lovely - a #SkyPapers viewer who wanted to say how much he enjoys the show.
I don't mean that as a humblebrag, he was just someone who felt positively and was kind enough to say it. Lots of people probably wouldn't, out of shyness, or not wanting to bother someone. But it was really nice - I don't get it a lot, and it does make a difference.
Frankly, when you do #SkyPapers etc you can't really know how what you say comes across. You chat away into the ether, and Twitter feedback is welcome (mostly) but Twitter isn't Britain. So for someone to take a moment of their time to be nice when they don't have to is generous.
Of course there are some people who are really horrible. And there are many people in the public eye - particularly women - who get far, far worse and far, far more comments than I do. Noting that most people are still decent doesn't discount that, but it remains true.
I suppose what I'm saying is a thank you, to Patrick, the chap on the tube, who gave a little boost to someone he doesn't know when he didn't have to. And to others who do the same. Yes, there be (some) monsters, but there are many, many more good, nice people around.
(One final note: obviously please use your judgement carefully to consider the time and place when choosing whether to say hi to someone, take a moment to consider from their point of view whether they'll feel comfortable and safe before they know your intentions)
