Well, not really. But I have been being friendly lately towards my co-workers and the soldiers who work in the building. I don’t mean that I get in big deep conversations but I’ve been joking around with them, making people smile. Just saying “hi”. And 90% of the time I get a friendly response back. I had a good laugh today with a guy who I’ve been seeing around the building for a couple of years.
Smiling is free and takes little effort. I get to work by myself and I walk around silently a lot. I am not aware of the impression that people have of me. But many, many times, when I pass someone in the hallway and I say “hi” to them, I realize from their relieved response that they have no idea of what my “trip” is and they may be scared of me (I’m a big guy) or thinking I don’t like them or something.
I walk around assuming that everyone knows what I’m thinking and that everything is fine between me and the office workers. But in reality I get an epiphiny that I haven’t been talking or being friendly enough and I need to change that. I know that the whole world isn’t sitting around waiting with bated breath to hear what great things I have to say. But it just makes things easier for me and them If we are all friendly.
its true, they say it takes less effort to smile so by those standards idk why some people find it so hard, its good to be friendly to people and let them know that you care, it makes the world a nicer place.
it’s just the nature of things that, the more you reveal about yourself, the more people you put off a bit. don’t get discouraged. the upside is you’ll find people you really can talk to.
Reminds me of being around people most of the time in which case I always find a way to spend time alone. I spend far too much time alone and when I get around people it’s like learning the socializing thing all over again, I’m often all over the place, too open lately, too shut up, too to I’m sure seemingly many too many people who are all a reflection of the same person, of who I am. I’ve been told I’m the kind of guy who can relate to just about anyone and this borders on not really knowing who you are though I do deep down.
You’re post reminded me of my more socially demanding jobs and how I coped and what I learned. I guess from that endless stream of customers I learned acceptance and respect for those who differ from the crowd, dislike of the pushy and shady among us and an acceptance of the fact that some have proclaimed me a genuise while others have thought it pertinent to stand there and comment on my percieved stupidity hoping I’d learn “their” lesson from this, not to be stupid again, ever.
I agree though, a smile can go along way and for me at least this can at times be difficult to even do, smile that is.
