Friday, May 13, 2011
When It Comes To Girls. . .
Whenever there is a question, do it the old fashioned way. When in doubt, be a gentleman. You don't want anything less than a lady anyway.
Names & Numbers
This is something I try my best to do in my own life: I hope I will be able to lead by example. If not, here is the goal I want us all to strive for. Knowing more than people's names. For instance, the librarian. Do you know her name? That is a start, but really the minimum. I think it's important to know at least one more thing about her: her age, how many kids she has, her husband's name. What about that place you go to eat all the time? Do you know if your waitress is still in school? What is she studying? Or the gentleman who frequents your store. Do you know anything about him at all? Despite the way it looks and sometimes feels, this really is a small world. We are all connected to each other, even if just by those weekly routines that bind us.
You never know (cliche as it may seem) what a difference a smile or a kind word can make.
How nice it is to be called by your name when checking someone out, instead of being treated like the "grunt behind the counter." And conversely, how much less you'll want to act like a grunt if you're the one behind the counter. There are name tags for a reason, you know.
How much less likely are you to snap at Denise, the English major, when you're having a bad day vs the lady who gets you coffee and seems to be moving too slow.
It isn't so difficult to be friendly: over time, it can simply become habit. You don't have to be in someone's face, constantly chattering, or ask personal questions. You don't have to know your hairdresser intimately. But it never hurts to humanize each other, in a world full of technology, shortcuts, and time savers. No one wants to be a number, or even an empty name. Try to make everyone you see a little less of a check-mark on your To Do List and a little more of a person.
Maybe they'll return the favor.
You never know (cliche as it may seem) what a difference a smile or a kind word can make.
How nice it is to be called by your name when checking someone out, instead of being treated like the "grunt behind the counter." And conversely, how much less you'll want to act like a grunt if you're the one behind the counter. There are name tags for a reason, you know.
How much less likely are you to snap at Denise, the English major, when you're having a bad day vs the lady who gets you coffee and seems to be moving too slow.
It isn't so difficult to be friendly: over time, it can simply become habit. You don't have to be in someone's face, constantly chattering, or ask personal questions. You don't have to know your hairdresser intimately. But it never hurts to humanize each other, in a world full of technology, shortcuts, and time savers. No one wants to be a number, or even an empty name. Try to make everyone you see a little less of a check-mark on your To Do List and a little more of a person.
Maybe they'll return the favor.
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