Maybe you’re walking along a rocky path and suddenly, awkwardly, stumble on a stone. Or you spill your drink all over yourself. Or you choke on a bit of nshima.

If it's me, I brace for the inevitable wisecrack – accusations of being a clutz or clod or clumsy. That’s the natural response, right?

Not in Zambia.

Instead of laughing out loud at your missteps, Zambians offer a simple, forthcoming “Soh-ri.” As if the person is sharing in your awkwardness, rather than judging it.

I love that. I love the fact that the Zambians are looking out for each other, rather than making fun of one another. They build each other up rather than tear each other down.

Imagine if the whole world were doing that.