Happy Happenstance at King Street Metro
Have you ever been to the George Washington Masonic Memorial? You can get a tour that takes you to the top and from the observation deck you can practically see Europe. Great views. Heck of a building, too, and great displays. Definitely go check it out sometime.
I was just there last week for a meeting and afterward, as I made my way along the platform at the King Street Metro stop, I noticed a gentleman smiling at me as he walked toward me. I returned the friendly gesture, figuring perhaps I just didn’t recognize him – perhaps an old friend or a business acquaintance?
Anyway, as we walked toward each other he started talking about how nice my tie was, asking where I got it and going on about the quality and design.
“My wife got it for me,” I explained. “You can’t trust me with matters of fashion.” The man laughed and went on his way, but not before marveling again at how nice it was.
I find it quite refreshing to be somewhere people would stop someone for a brief conversation and to share such warmth. The last time I had that happen was when I visited my brother back home in Raleigh last year.
When was the last time you slowed down to talk with someone for a few minutes, just to exchange pleasantries? It seems like it’s about time to do it again, don’t you think? More civility, less rudeness – that’s what this area needs.
Photo: George Washington Masonic Memorial Originally uploaded by carlweaver
I actually do this all the time. If I see someone wearing something nice I will stop and compliment them. Or I’ll chat up cashiers or other people in line in a store if there is something interesting to comment on. I’m usually amazed that people are almost taken aback that I’ve said something and now I do it 90% for the sincerity of the compliment or chat and 10% just to see what kind of reaction I get.
Pay that compliment and nice conversation forward, Carl!
Thanks, Julia! I used to do this all the time until I spent eight years in upstate NY and central MA, where people are rather cold and I was surrounded by crackheads and hustlers and it was better to keep to myself.
I do this type of thing more now that I am at least bordering the South, where it’s acceptable. It’s good to know that others are doing it too.
Glad to hear you haven’t given up the pay it forward thing….even after your time in NY and MA. Life is too short not to say nice things to strangers, I think. Isn’t that what these series of tubes are all about on another level? Connecting?
Have I had too much wine tonight?
I love your font by the way, you wear it well…
I think this occurs more often than you think. I often get stopped on the street — usually to provide directions for confused tourists, but also by people who compliment my hair or bag or shoes.
Last Saturday an 82-year-old woman asked me for directions to the Hotel Harrington. Since I was going to the Barnes and Noble on 12th Street, I offered to walk her. Turns out she was visiting from Brooklyn, lived for a time near the town I grew in in southeastern Massachusetts, and has a granddaughter who attends my alma mater – Syracuse University.
Yankee folk aren’t necessarily cold, just a little leery of being approached by "crackheads and hustlers."