I like to be nice to everyone that I can. I make a point of getting know the familiar faces in my life. I have a growing rapport with the guy at the gas station, the clerks at the grocery store, the guy at the Wine store, the waiter at my favorite diner, Maria at the bank, Jason our postal carrier, Krystal, Mary and Donnie at the gym, the gals at the fabric store, the staff at the art supply store, Jen at the camera store, and the workers at the post office.

These relationships have been built over time through consistently pleasant exchanges in which I seek to relate to these folks in a way that surpasses a concern with what they can do for me as their customer.  I sincerely ask how their day is, I tell them excitedly about my new projects (to include them in my life/activities), I make chitchat about normal, superficial things. It’s hard to stay indifferent to someone who is upbeat and positive, who is taking a specific interest in relating to you. And typically, I can engage them in a conversation and walk away knowing that perhaps their day is a little less mundane and a little brighter. Mine  is certainly sunnier.

But there’s an added benefit to all this: my world is bigger. My days are  better. All my routine tasks become invigorating experiences. If I am having a bad day, I could run to the store and see one of the workers I know and have a better attitude after talking with them a bit.  

When you reach out positively to others, people are naturally inclined to help you and/or respond nicely in return. When you form mini-relationships with those people that are in the background of your daily routine, the events of the day are more interesting, more rewarding and enjoyable.

© Be Nice. Creator and Be Nice. (somethingsonice.wordpress.com), 2008-2009.