Careers in Fashion

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The kindness of strangers

Earlier today I went food shopping at Trader Joe's, on the eve of what is supposed to be a massive coastal snow storm (I had to stock up on all my organic veggie food, lest I should starve!). I had just gotten out of an interview for a job I'm less-than-enthusiastic about taking, but we all do what we can "in these times," so we'll see. Then a funny thing happened... the woman ringing in my groceries was incredibly discerning and kind to me. How so? She simply asked, "Did you have a good day today?"

It's a simple thing, and since I work in a boutique I tend to say similar things to customers: "How are you today?" But that simple turn of phrase, by changing a few words around, made it into an entirely different question that, well, made my day. "Did you have a good day today?" It took our customer-cashier banter to another level, like a conversation between friends or mother and daughter. Nothing more than a polite exchange, it's true, but even so it's nice to be asked.

And you know what? Because of that, I did have a good day. Thank you very much. :)

My interview ensemble:

Cardigan, ruffle top, tweed-y skirt, tights: Loft
Shoes:
Abaeté for Payless



What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever said to you?

2 comments:

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Cute cardy- love that color. What a sweet stranger! people comment on my hair color all the time- I like it hehe :) Stay warm!

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

How refreshing, that simple turn of phrase! I'm glad to hear it made your night. I can't readily recall the nicest thing a stranger has ever said to me, but I do remember some of the meanest. We'll save those for another time, lol.

Lovely interview ensemble. I especially like your blouse. I almost popped into Loft the other day, but knew it would probably be trouble if I did.

Much more to say, but I'll save it for an e-mail. Hugs!