There were times when I was treated like an elevator music. You know, they know that you are there but nobody really pays close attention to you because you stay in the background. I actually liked it. I was invisible and I felt invincible.
Until recently, I noticed that the owner of the Turkish bakeshop where I normally go for freshly baked bread, talks to me like we were long lost friends. Sometimes, he would offer Hubby and I to have real Turkish coffee with him. Whenever I am with friends, my friends get a small box of baklava for free. He said, he likes having me around because my laughter makes him happy. lol
The cashiers at the supermarket are quite friendly to me too. Before, they treated me like a moron... instructing me not to take the shopping basket home. Yes, home! Why would I do that? HAHAHAHA But now, they always greet me with a big smile (yes, even the grumpy ones) and there are times when I would get extra stamps for my free 4 euro savings booklet.
One time, the butcher gave me an extra drumstick. No occasion. He said, he was not charging me for it. When I asked why. He said, gewoon (just because.)
I also noticed that some of my neighbors are now waving at me. Before, they would rush to their houses and lock their doors behind them whenever they see me approaching. lol All right... I exaggerated. LOL But some of them did.
And here´s the best one so far. A few weeks back, I received this postcard (left) from our postman (postlady for female?) wherein she scribbled best wishes for the New Year. I was so moved by the gesture; the card is still on display on top of my piano like a trophy.I actually don't remember doing anything special for her except that I always smile and wave at her whenever I see her. But I guess, the little things that we do for people that we often think are nothing special, do make them feel special because at the end of the day, people still want to be acknowledged... to be seen..... to be appreciated. As my Pa put it, there is nothing wrong with being courteous..... nothing wrong about smiling at people more often.
So there, SMILE .... it's a nice way to start your day anyway! :-)
22 comments:
Makaruruyag man talaga an harakhak mo. "Contagious laughter" baga. Praktisun ko daw yan kay basi makalibre man kape, hehe.
I like how the merchants there give you an extra this or that 'just because'. Now that's good P.R.
It is amazing how people respond to a good attitude. Despite all my obstacles, I also seem to happier and more pleasant with people and they always respond. We will both keep this up and I think this world will be a little bit better.
Well, I envy you! I should probably move to where you are. I've actually stopped smiling at passing people here, because I always end up looking stupid. If I say "hi!" or "goedemorgen" they never answer back, and then I go: "dan niet!"
This particularly bothers me when it involves neighbours or people at the gym, whom I see everyday.
It's one of the things that I find hard to put up with, actually. It probably has to do with the fact I live in the east and people here tend to be... not too friendly?
SO true, and smile costs nothing !
And it has a power to make someones day !
Very nice post... I hope over the time my neighbors too will stop running and locking themselves inside on seeing me approaching ... hehe :D
Great post & I am glad for you that you are experiencing this! Yea :-) I think we all face this with our neighbors and/or in other situations to some extent & it is a sad feeling. I've too been there, done that. I'm glad it is turning around for you & I hope it will be the same for the other readers!
I've fallen behind terribly with reading all blogs lately, so I wanted to also take this opportunity to let you know that I've nominated you for a blog award! Here is the blog entry:
http://atouchofdutch.blogspot.com/2010/01/beautiful-things.html
Have a nice weekend!
remember san yadto kita sa salon sa sorsogon, sige mo lang an patawa, kakaugma:)
your smile is contagious, mbak Maris!!
Mmmm... What have you been doing lately ? Like Aledys, it took years to the Dutch in my village to smile back or say "Hi". The last years I circulate in the village with kids, so the locals smile more to me and try to start a small talk. But most Dutch people when they notice your foreign accent they shut up themselves and get suspicious of you.
@buday: tenk u, tenk u. balitaan mo ako kun nakalibre ka na sin kape, ha? lol
@Whitemist: I think so too. :D
@Aledys: I know what you mean. I have those days too... when I look stupid for saying hello or good day. But I have decided that I will just continue greeting them, and if they have a problem with it... it's their problem. Not mine. hehehehe
By the way, I live in the east too.
@Lopa: Yup, a smile can go a long way. :)
Let me know when your neighbors stop running and locking themselves inside. hahahaha
@A Touch of Dutch: Nice having you back and thanks for the award! :)
@Jesusa: amo baya? nalimot na ngani ako. an nadudumduman ko lang, an kasangopan ni Verna sa hairdresser. HAHAHAHA
@rwidiani: Thanks, Mbak Ret! :D
@Anita: I haven´t done that much actually. I just decided to do more for myself, and expect less from others. So when I smile at people, it´s because smiling makes me feel good. I don't really care anymore whatever their thoughts are about it, or if it bothers them. I know it sounds strange but I´m happier. :)
Yuuhuuuuu, anybody home? Just wondering if you're alright, girl! :o) We miss you!
Hain ka nah? I miss your posts. :(
beautiful! so there, marissa, keep smiling!as they say, the only disability in life is a bad attitude :p
Anna: Amen to that! :D
@Aledys: went hibernating... it's the only thing I feel like doing these days! hahahahaha Thanks for dropping by.
@Buday: yadi na baga... hehehe Touch man daw ako... na miss mo ako? Na miss mo ako? NA MISS MO AKO???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA (sensiya ka na, alaskador talaga ako! LOL)
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