I enjoy people who go out of their way to be nice to others. I know it's a cliche way to view the world, but I believe it's a lot harder to go out of your way to be kind than it is to defaulting to jackass-mode. I admire those who go out of their way to either help clean up a mess on aisle 5, pick up dog shit after they'd already taken their shoes off, or simply say hello to someone who looks down becuase, in all actuality, I have only recently taken note of this. Of course I know a good deed when I see one, I'm not 6. When I say "only recently taken note of this," I refer to introspection.
Don't worry, I'm not sitting here sulking becuase I think everyone sees me as an asshole; quite the contrary. Actually, I get along wondefully with most friends and family. Crack a couple jokes, ask questions outside of my personal interest, you know... care. I might not always see the glass half full, but fun is a number one social priority and I think I bring that to the table. So those bases are covered.
However, I have started to wonder about the strangers I encounter. That is the type of "going out of your way to be nice" that I have become interested in. The barista at Starbucks who is clearly on their first day, the shoe salesman at the mall who knows I'm there for a belt, or the flight attendent who has just gone from Paris to Chigaco to San Francisco. Am I, and even better, are we, going out of the way to be nice to these people?
For a long time my mind was set on "where do I have to get to next." Let me preface by saying I do not view this is an altogether horrible way to live. One needs to look out for themself. If you're breaking your spine in two to finish everyone else's shit you're not going to have any time to wipe your own ass. Does that make sense? But it can't be all about me and my inner circle of peers and kin. For all I know, that shoe salesman has the same mentality of "where do I have to get to next." Therein not aware of what is unfolding around him/her.
I guess this minor realization is partly due to the fact I deal with strangers on a day to day basis now. We all do. We're pretending to be adults. That smile comes in handy when you're walking into an unfamiliar office. A kind gesture does wonders for a new client you're in business with. However, these kind qualities are almost considered requirements of a job. I want to go a little deeper than that. Let's make this "going out of your way to be nice" thing a daily habit.
Listen, I've been nice to strangers before. This is not some Jerry McGuire mission statement I've had cold sweats about for the last six hours. My only point is I want to go out of my way to be nice. I want to be the guy the shoe salesman talks about when they get home because I asked what they're studying in school. I know I'll enjoy my time at Starbucks if I follow my order with "take your time." And, to be perfectly honest, I would not mind scoring a free drink on the plane because the flight attendent noticed I was helping stow away suit cases.
I don't think I've ever intentionally tried to be a jerk-off to a person in passing, but that does not mean I did not come off as one. My first New Year's Resolution: go out of your way to be nice to the people around you. No matter where you are, no matter who it is. I know "resolution" sounds like I am resolving some inner demon, but that is the best term I have for you right now. And let me say this, I think most New Year's Resolutions are a big waste of time. I feel solid about this one, though.
Of course, there are going to be people in the world who piss you off. If you thought this whole post was telling you not get mad at people than you clearly have no idea who I am. Whatever is making you mad: a bad job deal, no breakfast, constipation.. Stay patient... Don't be frustrated with the people who pass through your life in a matter of minutes, sometimes seconds. We've all been there and it's okay. I just want to be there less.
Enjoy your day.
