Tony Bennett croons “My Favorite Things.”
The big box grocery store is crowded. Holiday sales abound. Shopping carts fill quickly.
And no one smiles.
People shop alone, in pairs, or as families. Bored, frustrated, distracted, blank eyes, or staring at a phone.
Throughout the store and banks of check-out lanes—utility, function, process—no laughter or interaction among strangers.
But not me.
I smile not for my circumstances, but for being. Because we are all here now, turning the corner on the breakfast aisle, digging for a coupon, or waiting for self-check-out. My smile is often met with a surprised look—then a half-smile, as if wondering if reacting is okay.
It is a shame no one smiles. But I do.
Leave a comment