PAUL CLARK: Why is it pretty much every stranger I meet greets me the same way. “Hi. How are you?” and ends with the same old line, “Have a good day." The rest of the interaction is just as boring and unemotional ~ The grocery store check-out, the gas station girl, the parking lot guy - the retail store cashier – it’s always the same. Each … and … every … time … Zzzzzz
It’s sad. We’re all used to performing this interaction as just a thing to say. We all go though the motions. It’s expected. Our ritual is habitual.
So what? *shrug of shoulders* It’s boring that’s what! It’s joyless and I’m on a personal campaign to single-handedly change that, one person at a time.
"How?" I hear you asking.
When someone mindlessly recites, “Hi. How are you?” (without looking up at me) I get their attention by confidently saying, “Well - ?” *cheeky pause* “I haven’t decided yet -- but it’s looking VERY positive!”
Or I look at them mischievously and ask back humorously, “Wouldn’t YOU … like to know?!” which always breaks with routine and fixes their attention by putting a smile on their face.
Both responses more than figuratively raise an amusing eyebrow. In fact, they immediately elevate us both from another potentially unmemorable, dull encounter and whisks us into a joyful world of amusing and unexpected exchanges of eye contact, grins and light banter.
And that's not all!
When it comes to their obligatory, but now a bit more engaging “Have a nice day!” (with eye contact this time) I leave them with a big smile and an uplifting, “I’ll do my BEST!”
This response is always met with a totally positive reaction. At the very least it prompts a smile or laugh and so often it prompts people so much that they step out of their hum-drum routine with a “Me too!”, “I’ve never heard THAT one!”, “I’m going to use that from now on!” or “Hey, can I borrow that line?!” as I walk out.
I would like to point out here, on a purely instructional basis *wink wink* that this last parting comment “I’ll do my best!” goes well with either of the two aforementioned trance-shattering opening responses.
Now I want you to understand *tongue-in-cheek* these responses are tried and true! You can experiment with your own versions but I suggest you start with these to see and experience the results first hand - then move on to develop your own style. Truthfully though, these have worked well for me in every situation.
It’s fun to get out of our heads and tickle someone’s funny bone if only for a fleeting moment. It’s addictive because it not only elevates a stranger’s energy and 'frequency but also yours in return. After all, we are all one. You'll get a gold star for the effort!
Playfully saying “I haven’t decided yet” signals to deep within yourself as well as others that you really have decided - to insert a little joy into your life and those around you.
So, you can have another boring day or you can DO YOUR BEST. It really is your choice.
Join me. Resurrect yourself from the rut and routine of your life and … Have a good day!
Let me know how it works for you.
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