Some people are just nice. I’m not talking friends or family, but those stranger to stranger encounters that we all have from time to time. You know those people who know no strangers?
I met lots of new people last weekend. Some are still nameless, while others were very personable. I suppose we had a few things in common. I’m a bride (soon-to-be) and they love everything wedding. Naturally, we go together.
All over town, in random places, people waved, smiled, shouted their congratulations, and even wished me a happy wedding day. This happened all night long. In one place, a girl (soon-to-be-bride herself) sat down next to me and started asking all about my wedding plans. It seemed odd to have someone (a stranger) so interested in my day. Then, she explains she’s a bride too and shares with me a few exciting details planned for her day and then wishes me the best for the future. As she went on her way, she left me questioning my own niceness to strangers.
How often do I share in the happiness of a total stranger and add to their excitement of a special time in their lives?
How often do I express well wishes for the future or empathize along with them?
Like the countless people who were just nice to me, I was reminded me of the natural goodness of people. It’s there. Although it’s sometimes buried deeper in some — I learned I should not underestimate the niceness in people. And maybe I should be more generous in spreading niceness on a daily basis.
It feels good. To be nice (not to be confused with courteous) with strangers. Try it. It made my day. And sometimes it might be what you need at that very moment.
