Kindness matters
Today I waned to share a little positive story with you all. As many of you may know from experience or from friends, waitressing can be a very hectic job. But last night one of my guests gave me a very simple, unexpected compliment, that honestly made my entire week extra worth it.
So, I know that this time of year can be very busy and stressful for many, with kids, family, Christmas shopping, New Years resolutions etc. Naturally, this puts many people on edge, which can make some nights of serving extra discouraging. Many people are very quick to comment on faults, but very few actually take the time to give a genuine comment, which is why I wanted to share this little personal story.
You often hear positive news stories on television or social media, but no newspaper tomorrow will tell about the mother who read a bedtime story to her child, or a father who prepared breakfast for his children, of someone who listened with attention, of a friend who cheers us up, of a stranger who helped us carry a suitcase, the person who paid for next person in lines coffee, the child who picked up the trash of a stranger, or in this case, a customer who gave a waitress a genuine compliment.
As I did my rounds, checking that every guest had what they needed, I made my way over to the last of my tables with the bill. It was a gentleman who had been dining by himself. As I went to hand him his check, he told me that I was such a kind, nice, and caring person. As simple as this gesture was, it took me by much surprise and with the genuine tone he said it in, almost put me in tears. I proceeded to tell him that as cliché as it sounds, I just act this way in hopes that it will rub off on others, and I only treat people how I want to be treated. We continued to have a conversation about kindness, and the butterfly effect of such compassionate actions. Many of us are kind without even knowing it, we do what we do simply because it is right.
After such a stressful couple of weeks, I cannot begin to express what this comment meant to me. Whether its at work, at home, or in other areas of your life, don’t forget to give recognition to those who make a difference to you. Kindness matters. You never know how much those few words mean to someone. To the gentleman I served last night, thank you. And to everyone else who has been kind, to me, or someone else, thank you too. Your kindness is noted, apricated, and is remembered.