Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B Readers,

I just have to write and tell you guys about what happened to me yesterday. It was just a regular weekend day. Nothing that different than most weekend days. I was in a TJ Maxx. Yes, I have a problem. Checking out of the store because, remember, I already admitted I have a problem. I know I often talk about saving and not spending everything, so just for the record I do save as well.

I digress, back to the checkout counter at TJ Maxx. Just minding my own business checking out and then I was hit. Oh, before you get up in arms and wonder “who dared hit Aunt B,” I was hit by the charisma of Lizzie. The best checkout experience I have ever had. In that short period of time (my sister would argue it wasn’t that short; she was standing outside waiting on me), I was engaged with her delightful personality and the banter of our conversation. We laughed and laughed and it was infectious. There were other people that wanted in on the fun just by witnessing the encounter. I smiled all day thinking of it.

I called this morning to talk to the manager concerning Lizzie and his comments were, “Can you imagine how much fun it is to work with her? It makes the day go by so nicely”. He told me that they get at least 3 calls a week on Lizzie.

I want to be like Lizzie. I want to leave people better off than where I find them. Can you imagine how beautiful life would be if people had that as their goal? Whatever work or play you do, I challenge you to be delightful in your pursuit of everything.

How might you have more fun? I think it begins with connections to the people you encounter. I realize that the masks that some of us wear can impede this a bit but I think with a little creativity we can still manage. Have you noticed that you can usually tell when someone is smiling just by looking at the other person’s eyes?

A friend and I were talking about this and she stated that it seems that when she smiles at people she finds they just look away. I thought about this because I haven’t found that to be the case for me. I believe what could be happening is that people are often taken off guard by this interaction because they are not used to it so at first they might look away. Once the other person looks away then one might become uncomfortable and look away as well. So my suggestion was to expect them to smile back and then not to give up and look away. I realize that it might be a little uncomfortable at first but so worth the effort. Now, of course I am not talking about creepy stalking smiles. Just ease into this.

The first step in making more connections with people is to just step outside oneself and notice and acknowledge others. Once there is an interaction then move toward some fun humor. Make them laugh. Be like Lizzie. Let’s start a movement.

Love,

Aunt B

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