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Why Can't People Just Be Nice...

6'6'', 350lbs., male....  That is the description of possibly the nicest person I have ever met.

Let me try to set this up.

Haley and I were doing our grocery shopping at Aldi's.  From half a store away, I heard a loud boisterous voice greeting the checkout employee.  I smiled to myself, thinking how nice it is to live in the Midwest where everyone is so friendly...

Unfortunately, my perspective quickly changed.  I heard the same booming voice greet several people throughout the store.  I started to take notice of this unusual scene.  One thing stuck out, people's response to this gentleman.  He greeted each person with some variation of: Beautiful day!  Are you having a great day?  or Great day isn't it!!  Are you having a great day?  I noticed that the majority of people wouldn't even look at him let alone response to his simple, friendly greeting.  During his shopping trip, he literally said hello, with a smile, to each person in the store--despite people's obvious rudeness.

Finally, it was my turn.

Gentleman:  Hey lady!?  Beautiful day isn't it!?  Are you having a great day?


Me (with the biggest grin possible, attempting to match his enthusiasm):  You know what, it is a beautiful day.  And I am having a great day, thank you for asking.  How is your day going sir? 


Gentleman:  Hehehe....Oh my!!!! Yes yes, I am having a great day too!  A great day!  You know, I don't like tight (gesturing to his clothing).  I'm more comfortable with loose.  So I wear loose.


Me: Well that's great, you should wear what you want to wear.  


Gentleman: Ya, YA, your right!  Well you have a great day miss, and I'll have a great day too!


Me: Sounds good.


Within moments into our conversation, I realized...I wasn't speaking to a 20-something-year-old-man.  I was speaking to an 8 year old.  It wasn't obvious, at first glance, that he was a person living with special needs.  But it soon became clear after taking a moment, to--simply...be nice.  

I can't for the life of me understand why so many wouldn't even smile at the gentleman.  I know, often, people are uncomfortable with what they don't understand..but still.   And please, don't mistake me for being on a high-horse or congratulating myself for being a decent person, because this isn't about that.  I just simply don't understand why people can't be nice.

Anyways, here is a picture of my cute kid....She is the best Aldi shopper.
Her entire outfit cost me $.50 cents.  Yup..saving money rocks, 

Comments

Nikki said…
Coming from a person who has worked with special needs people for 4 years, you just made his day with that simple response. I get so irritated by people's reactions to those who are different and I applaud you for doing the right thing. When he said he was having a great day, know that you were a huge part of that.
1/27/2012 11:29 PM
Nicole said…
So true!!! I am too from the midwest too by the way :). I am sure you made his day!! Im your newest follower too, found you through 20 something blogger :)

www.nicolermiller.blogspot.com
1/28/2012 1:05 PM
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