I had a conversation with a gentleman earlier today, and I thought I would share it here. I’m hoping you find it worthwhile, as well as entertaining. I got a lot from our chat, really enjoyed it, and have been carrying it with me since.
I was working my retail job at L.L. Bean, when I greeted an older gentleman, who was finding a spot to wait while his wife made some purchases.
“Good morning,” I said. “How’s your day going today?”
He paused a second before answering, “I’d give it a B-.”
“Is there anything we could do to make it an A?” I queried.
Another pause as he considered. “How about world peace?”
Now it was my turn to pause. Given recent events, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Not knowing what else to say, I answered simply and sincerely, “All I know to do, is to try to do my part on a personal level. I really try my best not to cause anybody else harm.”
He said nothing for a few seconds, and then offered, “That’s a really good answer.”
I have to admit I wasn’t expecting the direction of this conversation, or his comment. It caught me and gave a quick tug on my heart. Connection.
Luckily, he changed the subject. With the first hint of grumpiness I had seen from him, he explained the obvious, “I’m just waiting while my wife buys things.”
“So,” I asked him, “Is anything she’s buying, for you?”
He leaned close, and with a smile, whispered conspiratorially, “Yes.” He then added, “Maybe that makes it a B+.”
That made me smile.
I asked him if they had any plans for the rest of the day.
“I’m retired,” he explained. “That means I never have to make any plans anymore.” He continued praising retirement, and suggested I should give it a try.
“I’ve got some more years to work before I can try out your suggestion,” I joked.
To which he replied, “It’s only work when you’re not enjoying what you’re doing.”
“Well, then,” I said. “I guess I’m doing alright, because this conversation hasn’t felt like work at all.”
What can I tell you? In the span of a couple minutes, I shared a thoughtful conversation and enjoyable connection with a friendly stranger, and it completely made my day.
You never can tell… So, how’s your day going today?
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