People here already are polite. To a point where Americans who aren’t from some homey smalltown in the Midwest would find almost jarring.

People in the subway tend to give up their seats for older people. Folks stand in line and never jump it. They aren’t loud and rude to each other. In four months, I have not heard a shouting match or seen a fight.

I think it pretty much is part of the culture of respect. But in case anyone might be back-sliding, acting like New Yorkers or, say, road-raging Angelenos while on the freeway, they have some friendly reminders in prominent places.

Signs are posted in the subways, and announcements are made over the public-address system, about “always being ready to help children and older people.” And they do.

Actually, I got so caught up in this that I became part of it.  I was walking down some stairs at the Tin Hau station the other day, and I came upon a man of perhaps 70 who was walking with a cane — and also trying to carry a suitcase down the steps. Rather tricky maneuvering, that is.

Normally, I figure people don’t want to be embarrassed, potentially, by the offer of aid from a stranger, especially a foreigner, and I just keep going. But after four months here, I figured I’d make the offer. I stopped next to the man and made a gesture to pick up his bag, and he seemed quite pleased by the offer and put the bag down.

I carried it down the next three staircases, leaving him still to negotiate the escalators, but that had to be easier than the steps. He thanked me, or I assume he did, and he gave me a long, firm handshake and smiled. I said, “you’re welcome.”

Anyway, in case we forget to be polite, there are little reminders on the see-through walls that separate the subway platforms from the tracks. The advice is printed on rubbery stickers applied to the walls.

And they read: “Be nice.” “Be happy.” “Don’t push.” “Don’t rush.” And there is a picture of a smiling bunny on the stickers.

So, yes, I’m trying to get with the program, here toward the end of my stay. I’m trying to be nice and happy, and avoid pushing.

Rushing … I don’t think I will get over that. Not even with the good example set by 6 million Hongkongers.