I’m not the best at capturing names, but I never forget a face. Earlier this week, I was at a local coffee shop and an unfamiliar person introduced himself while waiting in line to order, suggesting that we had met before. I didn’t recognize him, but I never say no to coffee and conversation. I captured his name and will remember his face, especially because of something he said as we parted ways:
Thank you for talking with me.
This simple string of words captured my attention and caught me off guard. He could have simply said goodbye or I’ll see you later, but he went a few steps further and thanked me for my time, appreciating that I recognized him.
For some people, casual conversation without much substance is a waste of time. In a world in which space and time are compressed, every minute counts, and if what emerges from those minutes appears to be inconsequential, then it’s often considered time wasted.
I obviously do not support this line of thinking and this espresso drinker clearly doesn’t either. Though our conversation was casual and brief, the act of conversation meant something to him, and it meant something to me.
From now on, when I strike up a conversation with an unfamiliar person and this person recognizes my humanity by responding in kind, I will conclude with thank you for talking with me.
One Comment
Thank-you is such an easy way to have someone feel good….and you can bet that good feeling was passed on to another and hopefully that person passed on that good feeling………………pass it forward……….