Have you ever bumped into someone, asked how they're doing and gotten an epic novel for a response?
You know the type....you see them in the grocery store, both of you are running around trying to get home and you see them.
"Hey XXXXX, good to see you..how you doing?"
What you expect in response is "good, nice to see you too...say hi to everyone for me." That's kind of the standard, polite response.
Instead, they very publicly give you their life story. It's either bragging, or some type of desperate social inadequacy. If things are really that good (or bad) can't you call me, or drop in? I can try to help, or share in your successes.
Please don't yell at me across 2 lines at the A&P to tell me all about your dog's hysterectomy or about your seconds counsins-twin brothers-next door neighbours-sister, that had a bad basement flood and you're not sure how your going to cope.
Or then there is the old "we are sooo busy". Well, welcome to 2008 Michael Jackson! Who the hell isn't? I bump into people that collect social assistance and they tell me how busy they are. Huh? How can that be?
The "busy parents" are the worst.....(I am one, but I won't brag in this blog, yet) There is a huge difference between giving a friend some quick updates of significance and droning on and on about every little detail of your existence. Chances are, if you don't know where the line is drawn, people avoid you like tuberculosis in the 1930's.
C'mon, we all know the type........this is a sampling of what you get.
Greeting-Hey XXXX, nice to see you! How are you?
Response-"Oh, I am so busy..my son is singing for the Enniskillen choir next month and my daughter has a huge homework assignment (their daughter is in Grade 3) blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, ...we are soooo busy."...blah, blah, blah, blah..."I have to get groceries, go home and do the cleaning, get ready for company, go to work, drive the kids to hockey and get to the bank."
Well, let me tell you something, you just described about 95% of the Canadian population. We're all in the same boat.
And, the people that do this...they rarely ask you how YOU and YOUR family are. They give you a 3.5 minute speech about their busy, great life..then run away to their car, leaving a trail of spilled groceries and making frantic cell phone conversation.
Isn't it great when you bump into someone, ask them how they are doing and you get this?
A big smile, direct eye contact and the following statement.."we're great thanks, how are things at your place..why don't you guys come over for supper on Saturday?"
It absolutely makes your day..and theirs.
Make someone's day..don't make them hide 2 aisles over in the store when they see you.
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