Such an easy word, and such an easy thing to do....but frankly I'm beginning to worry that it is becoming a lost art. I get that I'm old....56 ....and that times are changing- but becoming less social as a society is NOT going to prove to be an asset. Being greeted by a look in the eye, a kind word or a touch on the arm, or just a smile can move mountains. Colleges are no longer looking for the "smartest" applicants, and employers are looking for people who can communicate more than what their resume looks like. The ability to socialize- to ask questions, to listen, to voice your opinion, to soothe, to apologize, to make someone feel comfortable. It all begins with a smile. As adults I believe that it is our obligation to teach our children (starting as babies) the importance of looking people in the eye and acknowledging them. How you ask? By doing it yourself. Smile at the people you meet in the grocery stop, offer to help a neighbor, do something kind for someone you don't know, say thank you- in front of your children. Don't make it a big deal (sort of defeats the purpose) and put it all over face book, or brag about "your kindness" to your child or anyone that will listen. Make it so a part of your every day life that you don't even realize when it is happening. Your child will see you over and over and over.....and they will "get it" without you saying a word.
A couple of weeks ago I took my grandson to Smiling Hill Farm (third visit in a month....just love that place!!!). Being a social child by nature, the first thing he did was run to a group of three children and three mothers. The children - in all there innocence were doing what children do (when we adults don't stick our noses in)- playing. In the five minutes we were together, these adults did not acknowledge me or Jack.....like we were invisible. Worse yet- they didn't even acknowledge their own children....they kept on talking and herding them on. Not a single smile.....when the adults were ready, they took their childs hand (still never making eye contact with them) and just pulled them away. Much to Jacks dismay I walked in another direction, just blown away by the "encounter". Luckily, as a gift from heaven to restore my faith in mankind, the next group we met was much different. These two moms (one obviously more "social" than the other) BOTH spoke to Jack, smiled at me, talked with their children about what each of them were doing, let the children play and allowed them the chance to make "friends". Looking at the group of five children we encountered that day- I have no doubt which ones enjoyed their day more and experienced how to be friendly. To those mom's and dad's- hats off to you!
A couple of weeks ago I took my grandson to Smiling Hill Farm (third visit in a month....just love that place!!!). Being a social child by nature, the first thing he did was run to a group of three children and three mothers. The children - in all there innocence were doing what children do (when we adults don't stick our noses in)- playing. In the five minutes we were together, these adults did not acknowledge me or Jack.....like we were invisible. Worse yet- they didn't even acknowledge their own children....they kept on talking and herding them on. Not a single smile.....when the adults were ready, they took their childs hand (still never making eye contact with them) and just pulled them away. Much to Jacks dismay I walked in another direction, just blown away by the "encounter". Luckily, as a gift from heaven to restore my faith in mankind, the next group we met was much different. These two moms (one obviously more "social" than the other) BOTH spoke to Jack, smiled at me, talked with their children about what each of them were doing, let the children play and allowed them the chance to make "friends". Looking at the group of five children we encountered that day- I have no doubt which ones enjoyed their day more and experienced how to be friendly. To those mom's and dad's- hats off to you!
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