I see the many faces of humanity during my work day. Kind, caring, ignorant, angry, and humble Just to name a few. A smile for a customer normally receives a smile in return. Except for yesterday. A woman came in, declaring she hated the world. I chatted with her, she continued to grumble. As I finished her order, the customer behind her accidentally bumped her with the cart. I seriously thought the woman was going to turn around and strike the customer behind her. I was so happy when she went on her way.
An older gentleman, who had trouble with a credit card, and who had given me a major hard time about it, came in, smiling. I stopped over to talk to him, make sure things had been straightened out. Someone had gotten his credit card information and charged a huge amount on it. When he was yelling at me a month previous, his voice was strong and even, now as I spoke with him, he stuttered often, searching for the words. I realized he had always talked like that, and only when extremely emotional did his words flow like water, smooth & even. Gathering his groceries, he turned to leave, smiling at me and walking away. (this is why I love to be a cashier.. The personal time I can give the customer.)
A small child with his mother was being shy. Veggies and fruits filled her cart along with whole grains and lowfat milk. She talked with her young son, going over the errands they had left to do. He kept looking at me shyly. He whispered to his mother. She nodded. He quietly asked me if he could have a lollipop. I looked to his mother for approval. She nodded again so I held the container of free lollipops we hand out to the children for him to choose one. As he did, he quietly asked if he could have one for his sister, who was in school. I told him to take two extra, so that he could have his now, then later, he & his sister could both have one together. This brought a very loud thank you, from this small shy boy, and a smile, from the boy and his mother.
It is a wonderful experience, seeing all of the shades of humanity.