As I mentioned in part one, I'm interested in the ways in which people behave while waiting in line. That first post was about a negative situation I encountered recently at my local bricks and mortar Apple Store. Today, we will balance things out with a super positive experience I had a couple of weeks ago, at the Starbucks downstairs from my loft. My apologies for taking so long to post this. My original intent was to write this the following day. Obviously, that didn't happen. Onward.
It was 7:33 AM, mid-week, and I was rollin' like I always do, half asleep, seeking caffein to drive away the effects of too little sleep. As I strode quickly to the entrance of my convenient coffee house, I noticed a casually dressed man who looked to be in a good mood coming from the other direction. As tired as I was, I was in a good mood too. I smiled as we reached the door at the same moment. We both motioned and offered to let the other enter first. I paused for a moment, just long enough for awkwardness to set in a little, then took the man's offer. Once inside, I waited, motioning for him to get in line ahead of me. He wouldn't. He insisted that I go first. I reluctantly did so.
We engaged in polite conversation with each other and the staff, about the weather and our hopes for the day ahead. I introduced myself. My new friend gave his name, too. He then politely requested my leave to ask a personal question. I agreed, assuming there would actually be more than one, and that they would be about my blindness. Such was the case. His questions were pretty standard, the ones to which I've been responding in one form or another since I learned to talk. I was struck by how deliberate the guy was with his phrasing, choosing his words carefully, so as not to offend. Not that I'm offended easily. I did nevertheless appreciate the consideration.
When the barista queried, I ordered my usual Venti Americano with three raw sugars and two inches of steamed whole milk (no froth). I then indicated that I would also buy my new friend's drink. He'd made my good morning even better, and so it seemed like the natural thing to do. His cheerful demeanor and friendly conversation inspired my good mood to become even better. He protested, not wanting to accept the gifted beverage. The staff was on my side, however. They made his drink, but wouldn't accept his payment. My friend and I, along with the staff members preparing our drinks, continued to chat good-naturedly until our drinks were ready. It was time to segue into the next part of our day. We exchanged smiles and brief farewells, wishing everyone around us a good day.
In some ways, it was a small exchange
I put on Macbreak Weekly as I smiled to myself, walking purposefully toward the train station.
