When Did We All Stop Smiling??
As is my habit and I assume yours as well i was in a checkout lane recently.A gentleman struck up a conversation with me by saying " #@*$?! can't this @)&^!?^ line move any faster?" Usually I don't respond to that when I hear it but this time it struck a nerve and I said "I sure wouldn't want her job, she has to cash us out and everyone behind us till the end of her shift or the end of time, whichever comes first" That apparently ended our in-line friendship.
Complaining criticising seem to have taken the place in our society of the kind word or gesture. Have you ever driven thru a shopping plaza and stopped to let people cross in front of you? I'm sure you have. Ever notice what most of the people do? They almost never smile or wave as if to say thank you...rather they trudge on in silence refusing to acknowledge your kindness.
I realize everyone is in a hurry and busy but it begs the question. What are we in a hurry to do and how have we lost the simple kindnesses that I know we were all taught by our parents? For example, when was the last time you saw anyone holding a door for someone else? Something tells me its been awhile. I tried that little trick a few weeks back and received nothing in return.
Its even gotten down to the telephone. People will call you and start the conversation with "uhhh let me speak to so and so " What ever happened to "Hello how are you? Is so and so available"?
It seems to me like everyone is unhappy with EVERYTHING and its spreading like a wildfire. Criticism has taken over even the television. What is the most popular show right now? American Idol, a program that extols the wounding of average people with sub par talent. People eat this show up.
I have a suggestion to begin to stem the tide of unhappiness. Just for fun one time this week when you get to the end of the check out line, ask the cashier how he/she is doing. See what happens. Not only will she smile but you might also. Try it.
Complaining criticising seem to have taken the place in our society of the kind word or gesture. Have you ever driven thru a shopping plaza and stopped to let people cross in front of you? I'm sure you have. Ever notice what most of the people do? They almost never smile or wave as if to say thank you...rather they trudge on in silence refusing to acknowledge your kindness.
I realize everyone is in a hurry and busy but it begs the question. What are we in a hurry to do and how have we lost the simple kindnesses that I know we were all taught by our parents? For example, when was the last time you saw anyone holding a door for someone else? Something tells me its been awhile. I tried that little trick a few weeks back and received nothing in return.
Its even gotten down to the telephone. People will call you and start the conversation with "uhhh let me speak to so and so " What ever happened to "Hello how are you? Is so and so available"?
It seems to me like everyone is unhappy with EVERYTHING and its spreading like a wildfire. Criticism has taken over even the television. What is the most popular show right now? American Idol, a program that extols the wounding of average people with sub par talent. People eat this show up.
I have a suggestion to begin to stem the tide of unhappiness. Just for fun one time this week when you get to the end of the check out line, ask the cashier how he/she is doing. See what happens. Not only will she smile but you might also. Try it.
