An unusual conversation

I had an unusual conversation today with a cashier as she checked out my order. What was unusual about is that we actually TALKED. Not the typical "did you find everything all right? Do you need stamps or ice?" kind of talk. We actually talked, about families, holidays and traditions. I didn't know this cashier, and only visit this store about once a month so it wasn't like my face was familiar to her. We were strangers, but by being open and willing to share of ourselves and our lives, we made a connection. I'll still probably only visit that store about once a month, but from now on I'll try to go through Jenn's line, just to say Hi.

Connections like this one are increasingly rare these days. Several months ago a study was published that revealed the average American only has one close friend, and a large percentage of people in the study frequently experienced feelings of isolation or loneliness. Isn't it interesting that in this brave new digital age, people have the technological capability to be connected to the world 24/7, but no one to talk to? How many people do we pass blindly each day who long for a kind word, a kind gesture? How about the people we see in our own mirrors? I've never met anyone who said they have too many friends.

The point is this: Make an effort. Reach out. Yes, it's hard. Do it anyway. In the worst case someone may look at you funny. In the best case, you may make a friend, or simply make someone's day.

"All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Later,
AuntieM