Did your Mother tell you never to talk to strangers? Or maybe you told your own children that? There were good reasons we did, and do, teach our children to be safe and those haven't changed. But are you still avoiding speaking to someone you don't know - just because you haven't been introduced? If so, you may be missing a great part of life. What a boost to my day when someone says you have beautiful hair or some other compliment, just in passing. The sun shines a little brighter after that. Next time you admire someone or something, just step up and tell them so! You meet some great people.
As I've gotten older I find it much easier to approach a stranger to compliment her on her hair - or maybe ask a question. In Wal-Mart parking lot one evening I saw a beautiful tapestry purse sitting in the basket while the woman put her groceries in the car. I just made a passing comment on how much I liked it and she stopped to tell me she'd made it herself. So we talked and she told me how she devised the pattern and why she made it. I really enjoyed talking to her and when I got home I wished I'd thought to get her phone number - or given her mine - and she seemed like someone I'd like to know.
Along that line I met an attractive, funny and talented woman yesterday in the fabric store. I'd just run up to get something that was on sale and while I was waiting for a clerk a woman asked me a question about figuring yardage for drapes. Many years ago I taught drapery making so we laid her fabric out and had an enjoyable conversation about sewing, decorating, colors and laughed about how when we started out harvest gold and avocado green were in vogue. We got her yardage figured and she was inspired to upholster a chair to match.
I may never see her again, but I did give her my name and phone number. No matter what comes of it, it turned a boring errand into a fun hour. I came home and went back to hand rolling hems with a smile :) Do you have some "random acts of kindness" to share? I'd love to hear them.
