Saturday, October 13, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Surprised, He Laughed
The man behind the checkout counter was clearly exhausted. Either that or he hated his job.
He was in his late twenties at the most, yet he moved with the slumped shoulders and the exhausted face of a much older man - of someone who was desperately ready to clock out for the day.
I didn't blame him. Who knows what was going on his personal life, or what kind of day he had experienced at work. He wasn't rude, just clearly ready to be anywhere but behind that counter.
After he took my order, prepared my food, and told me how much I owed - all in the same, exhausted voice, I said dryly, and without much forethought, "You look REALLY happy."
His face creaked into a surprised smile, and a startled chuckle escaped his lips. After that, his slump was gone, and he finished checking me out with a genuine smile on his face. The store closed in five minutes so I like to think I helped him end his workday on a slightly happier note.
I didn't blame him. Who knows what was going on his personal life, or what kind of day he had experienced at work. He wasn't rude, just clearly ready to be anywhere but behind that counter.
After he took my order, prepared my food, and told me how much I owed - all in the same, exhausted voice, I said dryly, and without much forethought, "You look REALLY happy."
His face creaked into a surprised smile, and a startled chuckle escaped his lips. After that, his slump was gone, and he finished checking me out with a genuine smile on his face. The store closed in five minutes so I like to think I helped him end his workday on a slightly happier note.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
With Doors Wide Open
I don't know why people say chivalry is dead. I see it all the time.
In fact, I take it for granted so much that I still chuckle over an experience I had a month ago when it didn't happen.
I was struggling with a large pile of library books (a full book bag, plus a stack in my arms), planning how I was going to use my back to shove the door open and then make a quick spin to get out before the door shut on me or my books. However, as I walked toward the glass library doors, I saw a twelve-year-old boy approaching from outside, and thought with relief that he could save me the trouble. Instead, the boy visibly slowed down his steps enough to ensure that I, the "lady," arms full of books, would open the door for him! I was stunned. And yes, I opened one of two doors for him, balancing books in my arm, and using my foot and back, while the boy stood there, empty-handed, and waited.
Now, to be fair, the boy was only 12 but I know a lot of boys that have been taught to be courteous. I only bring this story up to emphasize the contrast too - that the people around me are so considerate about opening doors for each other that I'm shocked when it doesn't happen. A couple days ago, a girl who looked to about 11, waited an extra 20 seconds for me to catch up to her, while she held the door open. I actually had to go up a flight of stairs while she waited for me at the top. Wow - maybe a little too considerate?
My favorite one - a couple of months ago, a guy I didn't know walked out of my office building, saw me coming with my pile (my purse, a laptop bag, and a tray full of food) and actually ran back 15 steps to hold the door open for me.
I sometimes feel like someone is so far behind me that it is pointless to wait for them to open the door but then I remember how often someone does it for me, and I wait those extra seconds. It only take a few seconds out of your life to do something that is really quite nice and can add an extra smile to someone's day. I can't tell you how many grateful mothers with unwieldy strollers have smiled gratefully at me for a favor that cost me very little to provide - and all because I too, have been the recipient of the small and simple good deed.
In fact, I take it for granted so much that I still chuckle over an experience I had a month ago when it didn't happen.
I was struggling with a large pile of library books (a full book bag, plus a stack in my arms), planning how I was going to use my back to shove the door open and then make a quick spin to get out before the door shut on me or my books. However, as I walked toward the glass library doors, I saw a twelve-year-old boy approaching from outside, and thought with relief that he could save me the trouble. Instead, the boy visibly slowed down his steps enough to ensure that I, the "lady," arms full of books, would open the door for him! I was stunned. And yes, I opened one of two doors for him, balancing books in my arm, and using my foot and back, while the boy stood there, empty-handed, and waited.
Now, to be fair, the boy was only 12 but I know a lot of boys that have been taught to be courteous. I only bring this story up to emphasize the contrast too - that the people around me are so considerate about opening doors for each other that I'm shocked when it doesn't happen. A couple days ago, a girl who looked to about 11, waited an extra 20 seconds for me to catch up to her, while she held the door open. I actually had to go up a flight of stairs while she waited for me at the top. Wow - maybe a little too considerate?
My favorite one - a couple of months ago, a guy I didn't know walked out of my office building, saw me coming with my pile (my purse, a laptop bag, and a tray full of food) and actually ran back 15 steps to hold the door open for me.
I sometimes feel like someone is so far behind me that it is pointless to wait for them to open the door but then I remember how often someone does it for me, and I wait those extra seconds. It only take a few seconds out of your life to do something that is really quite nice and can add an extra smile to someone's day. I can't tell you how many grateful mothers with unwieldy strollers have smiled gratefully at me for a favor that cost me very little to provide - and all because I too, have been the recipient of the small and simple good deed.
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