Stories

I was standing in a long line at a department store. I asked person behind me if they found any good deals and we chatted for a minute. Then I made a comment to the person in front of me wondering aloud who decided what odd items to place along the checkout ‘gauntlet’. After a few minutes of conversation the lady behind me also chimed in and the three of us had a great time chatting in what would have otherwise a frustratingly long line. We all waved to each other as we left the store.

A friend was going through a tough time and needed to vent their frustrations. I carefully listened for over an hour and did very little talking other than to ask questions. When it felt approriate I asked “do you think there is a way to look at your situation that might leave you feeling empowered?” their mood shifted and they began listing different ways to approach the situation in a positive way. Our friendship become noticeably stronger after that conversation. 

I went to smog my car and instead of waiting in the lobby and looking at my phone I told the mechanic “there is a smog place closer to my house but I like to come here because you are always friendly” he lit up and we had a great conversation the whole time he worked on my car. I learned a bunch of interesting things about him and we gave each other a high five when I left.