Ever have someone offer you a tic tac or a piece of Doublemint or a handful of peanut butter M & M’s at a moment when you’re bored or hungry or getting blue around the edges? You pop it in your mouth and suddenly there’s an explosion of taste. Your brain wakes up; a wave of tingly mint or cinnamon or chocolate flavor washes from molar to molar. Now you feel a little quirk of a smile and your afternoon begins to buzz.
I suggest that you can offer the equivalent of a mouth-pleasing treat to someone (but with physically-distanced safety) by sending compliments their way. It’s ridiculously easy to bring a little joy bubble into someone’s day without costing yourself anything except the energy to be observant.
Here’s an example. A friend of mine who is pushing 80 went to Walmart. Unfortunately, it was 104 and shoppers had to wait six feet apart in the sun to get their turn to enter. As she was waiting, a Walmart employee came down the line and told my friend that she didn’t have to wait but could enter the store immediately. Although happy for the reprieve from the heat, nevertheless my friend asked dryly, “Is that because I’m old?” “No.” answered the employee. “It’s because you’re pretty!” That got a happy chuckle and a story worth repeating.
It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. They forgot the forks in the takeout bag.
It’s easy to see the mistakes. I asked for a grande non-fat hazelnut latte extra hot with only two pumps of syrup not three.
It’s easy to be impatient. I’ve been on hold 16 minutes.
Instead try:
^ Thanks for making those burrito bowls so quickly.
^ You’re amazing at remembering these complex orders. You’re a pro!
^ You must be busy today. I appreciate you helping me with my question.
You have the power to make every interaction be like a minty micro burst on a slow day.
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” Proverbs 16.
Be the Love.
I suggest that you can offer the equivalent of a mouth-pleasing treat to someone (but with physically-distanced safety) by sending compliments their way. It’s ridiculously easy to bring a little joy bubble into someone’s day without costing yourself anything except the energy to be observant.
Here’s an example. A friend of mine who is pushing 80 went to Walmart. Unfortunately, it was 104 and shoppers had to wait six feet apart in the sun to get their turn to enter. As she was waiting, a Walmart employee came down the line and told my friend that she didn’t have to wait but could enter the store immediately. Although happy for the reprieve from the heat, nevertheless my friend asked dryly, “Is that because I’m old?” “No.” answered the employee. “It’s because you’re pretty!” That got a happy chuckle and a story worth repeating.
It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. They forgot the forks in the takeout bag.
It’s easy to see the mistakes. I asked for a grande non-fat hazelnut latte extra hot with only two pumps of syrup not three.
It’s easy to be impatient. I’ve been on hold 16 minutes.
Instead try:
^ Thanks for making those burrito bowls so quickly.
^ You’re amazing at remembering these complex orders. You’re a pro!
^ You must be busy today. I appreciate you helping me with my question.
You have the power to make every interaction be like a minty micro burst on a slow day.
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” Proverbs 16.
Be the Love.