I have mentioned in the past my little routine when I go into any retail establishment. I always end every transaction with "Thank you for working at...." I'm always amazed at the reaction I get. And those who are used to my routine are disappointed when I fail to say that.
I've been stopping at a certain convenience store lately to get a snack and soft drink. There are a couple of employees there who have a different reaction to the way I end the transaction. One person, an older gentleman and curmudgeon of sorts, tells me that he doesn't work for free. Another employee, a young lady, has a quite different reaction.
One day I was there getting a Coke Zero and pack of crackers. I was in line to pay the older guy when Mae told me that her register was open. I went over to her side, paid for my items and thanked her for working at the store. Next time I stopped there, I went to Mae's register. She told me that she enjoyed my positive attitude and my smile when I stopped by.
I'm proud to say that I have made a new friend. Mae is part of a growing list of friends I have made of people from my kids generation who have respect for their elders. Anymore that is becoming more the exception than the rule. Maybe if more of us older folk smiled at the younger folks and showed them some respect, we'll get it back.
I've been stopping at a certain convenience store lately to get a snack and soft drink. There are a couple of employees there who have a different reaction to the way I end the transaction. One person, an older gentleman and curmudgeon of sorts, tells me that he doesn't work for free. Another employee, a young lady, has a quite different reaction.
One day I was there getting a Coke Zero and pack of crackers. I was in line to pay the older guy when Mae told me that her register was open. I went over to her side, paid for my items and thanked her for working at the store. Next time I stopped there, I went to Mae's register. She told me that she enjoyed my positive attitude and my smile when I stopped by.
I'm proud to say that I have made a new friend. Mae is part of a growing list of friends I have made of people from my kids generation who have respect for their elders. Anymore that is becoming more the exception than the rule. Maybe if more of us older folk smiled at the younger folks and showed them some respect, we'll get it back.
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