Yesterday, I had a returning customer tell me, “You know you can’t fake kindness.” I smiled, but wanted to reply with, “Oh, yes you can! I’m doing it right, now!”
Now, there was nothing wrong with the client. She was quite pleasant and seem genuinely happy that I was there to help her. She even gave updates on her grandchildren, her recent home purchase, and current employment status. I just wasn’t in the mood – for her or any other customers. Like the weather yesterday, my mood was sort of muggy, funky, and if I had my way, I would have sat at my desk alone, without any customers, pleasant or crazy, I just didn’t want to be bothered.
I can’t really say why. I don’t have children to annoy me or really wacky people in my life. It could have been the weather or some food I ate the day before…I really don’t know. I just know that I wasn’t right, didn’t feel like myself and would have preferred to crawl back in the bed where I probably left my other self.
Explanations aren’t necessary really. Everyone is entitled to feel whatever they feel and I’ve been living long enough to know that not everyday is a sunny one.
And even on sunny days there is sometimes rain……and it’s up to me to determine which one I’ll focus on…which one will make the biggest impression.
In just the same way, it’s up to me to help people see the best side of me. What good would it have been if I rushed the customer, cut her off, limited my eye-contact, or came up with an excuse to end our conversation. Instead I listened to her tales, nodded when appropriate, and smiled consistently. Did I want to? Absolutely not……I really wanted her to leave, but thought it best that I feign interest because she wanted to talk to me (little ol’ me), tell her stories, and provide an update since we first met.
As we ended she said, “You know I don’t meet many kind people and you’re the real deal because you can’t fake kindness.” I smiled because I know I can. This doesn’t come easy, however. I just know that I don’t have the right to allow worry, frustration, or even an empty stomach to overshadow the work I do or subtract from someone’s peace and contentment.
Some might disagree and proclaim that I’m just being fake, but I say kindness is certainly something worth “faking it until you make it” or at the very least, practicing for perfection!
AB Says:
Danielle Says:
