The days of old

I saw this article this morning about a major grocer chain that was removing all of their self-checkout lanes.  My first thought was, why would they do that.  I personally don’t use them, but I understand the convenience of them when you have just a handful of items.  But then I read this quote from the article;

We just want the opportunity to talk to customers more.  That’s the driving motivation.

That hit it on the head for me.  What business wouldn’t want to talk to their customers, to engage them more.  I believe that one of the biggest social issues in this country these days is the fact that everyone is in a hurry, no one talks to their neighbors anymore, and there is no sense of community.  Everyone is in a “me, me. me” and “hurry, hurry, hurry” type of attitude.

Today we get the gestures and dirty looks when we pass someone by. People don’t hold the door for each other anymore. Neighbors aren’t neighborly anymore. Fast food restaurants on every corner where I feel like I’m putting the workers out by ordering. Yes I’m generalizing, but everyone’s seen it.

What happened to the days when people said hello to each other as they passed?  What about the days when you you’re neighbors would look out for each other instead of trying to hide away?  How about the times when a town would shut down for a Friday night football game regardless of the record?  Why can’t we go into a restaurant and be greeted by name and asked if we want our usual?

This world would be just a bit nicer, the days just a bit brighter if everyone would make an effort to get back to those days.  My goal for today:

• Say hello to a random stranger.
• Hold the door for someone (other than those that are with me)
• Talk to a clerk or waiter today and ask them how they are doing…..and actually listen!

What better time than now to start fixing the social ills that plague this nation with one kind act or word at a time!