Maybe two months ago, this older gentleman at the store was stocking shelves near me. Something I needed was on the top shelf out of my reach. I said to him, “You’re tall. Would you mind reaching that for me?”
He responded, “AND handsome. People always forget the handsome part.”
I laughed and thanked him for retrieving my animal cookies. I mean, uh, something much cooler like ostrich beef jerky.
Anyway, I passed him today and remarked, “You know, you’re tall AND handsome.”
“And handsome,” he said. “That’s right. People always forget that.”
“I didn’t forget,” I said.
“No, you didn’t. Thank you. That made my weekend.”
And maybe it did.
Aww, how sweet!! Made my day too!
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Awh, good. It was definitely smile-worthy. π
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Heehee. I like that he helped you, then later you made his day.
Ostrich jerky, or animal cookies. It’s all good. Now I want a box π
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I have no idea if he remembers that earlier exchange. I got the impression he says that to people a lot.
If you want a box, be warned, top shelf. π Find a tall handsome man to help you.
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π
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that was so sweet of you, I’m sure you made his day. ostrich jerky? nah. but animal cookies, yes!
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Who knows if ostrich jerky is any good, but it was the first thing I thought of. Maybe I should’ve gone with ghost peppers. Next time. π
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Itβs a toss up!
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π
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But is it free range water? Hunh? That’s important.
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LOL. Good one, Jacqui! π
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My father would introduce himself self as, βIβm Bill, but most people call me handsome Bill.β
And at least theyβre organic animal cookies. Did you get me any?
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You’re dad was a trip, but I already knew that. π
I still have some, Andrew. Come and get them! π
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This is really fun to readπ Made my weekend too. Thank you π
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I’m glad, June. Thank you! π
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I love this! Love that you listened to him, empathized with him, envisioned what it might be like to be in his shoes and acknowledged him the next time you saw him! β€οΈ This is the definition of looking at someone and actually seeing them! π
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Ah, gosh. Thanks, BB. Itβs such a simple easy thing to say a few words and make a larger difference in someoneβs day. I hope to seize more opportunities for doing so.
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I so appreciate the casual communication between humans. The humor. And of course, who doesn’t want a new tall and handsome friend?
ps….no offense taken on the jerky or the cookies.
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If I were 20 years older… π Just kidding.
My concerns about offending someone were mainly in jest. Surely thereβs someone out there who would be offended, but those people probably donβt read my blog. And if they do and are offended, is it okay to say I donβt care? I mean, I guess I care in that I worry they need to lighten up for their own sake.
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I felt your jerky/cookie comment was in jest. BUT. I still wanted to support the no offense taken stance. You know. Just in case ππ
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Always better to be safe than sorry. But who knows? I may have offended people just by making the joke!
Ah well.
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Ah….this is a high possibility in the world’s climate these days. But you are always safe with me. And. Even if you ever DID offend me, it wouldn’t be a reason to dissolve our sensibilities. π
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This is good to know in advance, as I may inadvertently let slip a disparaging word against country music in your presence. π
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π and all would be chuckled about!
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Yep, as we clink our tea cups together and watch Lilies of the Field. π
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Lovely! π
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Betsy, I love it. An unexpected compliment or acknowledgement can do wonders for people. I tend to chat with clerks and cashiers as they are on their feet all day. It may be a name on their badge that is not common. A woman who looks to have been born around 1980 named Olivia, might get a question like “I wonder if your mother was an Olivia Newton John fan.” Something like that gets a smile and usually a response. So, I wish you to continue to brighten your “tall and handsome” clerk’s day. Keith
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Itβs really nice to find an opportunity to brighten someoneβs day with just a simple acknowledgment. So little effort can go such a long way. Iβve even complimented a strangerβs dress and seen how much her face lifted. Two words: βbeautiful dressβ and a smile. Day changer for both of us.
Thanks, Keith. π
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Betsy, I agree. Being a man, I do have to be careful with my comments, as they are not intended to make someone uncomfortable. But, I do like eliciting a smile, so I will look for something to connect with. Keith
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Oh, yeah. Telling a woman nice dress could potentially not go well for you. (Thatβs both funny and sad to me.) Maybe stick with the men. π But making a funny joke will elicit a smile for sure. Kindness is what makes the world go round. π
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Betsy, I was telling my wife over a restaurant brunch about your post and our conversation via comments. She loved your grocery man. As we were leaving, she stopped our waitress and said “I love your giggle.” And, they spoke for a minute. It made the waitress smile. Keith
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Look at that! Wonderful! I feel like we’re starting a revolution of kindness. Let’s keep it up! No doubt that waitress went home and told her loved ones about the nice lady who complimented her laugh and how it made her day. π
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Iβm certain there are people who are offended by animal cookies. Just sayinβ!
Itβs nice to make grocery store friends and Iβm also certain you did make his day. When my son was little and rode in the grocery cart seat, there was an elderly man we would frequently see shopping who always spoke to my son. My son always referred to him as βGrocery Store Man.β
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Awh. So sweetβGrocery Store Man. Perhaps thatβs what I should call this guy should there be more interactions.
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Awww. He probably loved it that you remembered. π I’m glad you have a new grocery store friend. You’re branching out, Betsy. The Chex Guy has some competition!
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Haha. I knew someone would have to mention the poor Chex Mix Guy. He transferred to a new store months ago, so no more fun with him. But, yes, I hope this nice old man was pleased. Such a simple way to make someoneβs day. Why not do it?
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π
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I love the simple social interactions we can have with each other. I figure you can go through your day with you mouth closed and your eyes straight ahead, or you can smile, notice, and connect. One way is so much more satisfying than the other.
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Yes, Janis, agreed. The trouble is, just keeping to ourselves is the easier route. We have to stretch ourselves a little to connect. But itβs so worth it. π
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I find water offensive, so that’s strike three for you, young lady!
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I just can’t win!
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Oh I like this older gentleman. He’s a hoot, and useful to boot. I miss little micro-conversations like this one. They are the source of many a good blog post.
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Your Heineken story still makes me smile when I recall it to mind every now and then. π
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I’m sad to say that the build-your-own six-pack area is gone from the store now. It was deemed unnecessary during the pandemic being a potential spot for virus germs. I always smiled when I walked by it, but no more.
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That is most unfortunate. Maybe it will come back eventually? Then again, the world is more germ-conscious now, so perhaps not. It was certainly nice while it lasted, though, huh, and a brilliant idea!
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Very cool! I do ask for help a lot when for reaching items on store shelves–I’m not blessed in the height department.
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I feel for you for your frequent need to find a store clerk, then. Or perhaps a nice nearby stranger. π
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That’s really nice. I like these random connections. They really mean something. Also, I’m not offended by animal crackers, but there’s no way I’d try that jerky!
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Yep. It’s always nice when opportunities like these arise. I try to take advantage. π
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You made that man’s day for sure! And those random words of kindness sure can brighten someone’s day. I don’t go out much (I so loathe shopping), but thank you for the reminder that just a quick few kind words can make all the difference. Seems so many people these days have forgotten how to be nice.
And animal crackers! Of course, I’d be game to try ostrich jerky, just to say I did π
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I’m always game for trying new things just to say I did too!
It’s fun to make people’s day. π
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Aww – that’s so sweet! Kind of miss conversations like that, people are so buried in their phones, even when shopping – eye contact? Forget it! Tall and handsome, you said? What grocery store are you frequenting again? π
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Tall, handsome, and old, Sarah. Down girl. π
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Hehe! π
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π
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I keep animal cookies around the house for the little ones. Your animal cookies look much more detailed and impressive, Betsy. Likely because of the Handsome Gentleman retrieving them for you.π
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As a matter of fact, I do believe the box of animal cookies was quite plain and ordinary looking until the tall, handsome man retrieved them for me, Erika. π
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π€£ π€£ π€£
I love reading your posts in the morning! I mean, I love them any time of day, but particularly at this early hour because I’m still a little dopey (finished run & shower & still my brain hasn’t woken up!) so I really get caught by surprise, do a double take, and then I’m rolling!
I also love how you entertain and are entertained by your grocery store personnel: Mr Chex-Mix, Mr Tall & Handsome … such fun!
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Thank you, Ju-Lyn. I’m delighted to entertain you. Any time of day. π π
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