Be Nice

So today, A strange thing happened...

I was in a rush and late and having to make small talk with about 15 people at the same time about their winter breaks. I needed to get a ton of things done to make sure everyone was in the right place. I was smiling, but very distracted. I finally got everyone out of my office and began explaining things to a new hire. It was then that I noticed someone standing in my doorway and smiling.

Cindy (that's not her real name) is a quiet woman and I've always felt she has had more to say and offer than she knows. She excused herself and asked if she could speak with me for a moment. As EVERYONE needs to speak to me for a moment I asked her to wait and let me finish my conversation. She giggled in embarrassment and walked away.

I'm not going to lie. In the five minutes that passed I had completely forgotten that she wanted to speak to me and was going to check in with the reception about a completely different matter when I saw her waiting for me there. Shit. Okay, See what she wants quickly and then get the info you need to make the calls. So I asked her if it was a quick question or if she needed privacy in my office. She started to stutter and babble and began to turn bright red. I may have unintentionally given the look that my mother trained me so well to give. You know the one that says "Hey dumbass. You are wasting my time!" She froze for a second and then muttered "I wanted to introduce you to someone." Now she is a woman in her early 40's. You could tell that before kids and divorce she was quite cute and she still has a funky style and haircut. Her friend was a bit older, or just greyer. I smiled and shook hands.

Okay, I know where this is going. He wants a job and is coming to see if there are any openings. I started running all the current and projected contracts through my head. In a thick Scottish accent he said "I'm glad to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you. She talks about you all the time"

Hmmmm. Original, I thought. Flattery. Yeah, I’m sure I can sort out something for this guy. I hope he's not a drunk. I responded cordially, "Oh Cindy is my little star. She's quiet but I know she got more. I don’t know what I'd do without her"

Now you and I both know that I'm such a big fat fucking fake. You can go ahead and puke, because I almost did in that very moment. To keep my balance I put my arm around her and gave a squeeze. I also wanted to slyly check my watch. I had wasted at least 2 minutes and was already getting bored. As I glanced over I got a glimpse of her face. She was bright red and grinning from ear to ear.

Cindy started speaking, but I couldnt hear her. I was starting to get confused. Why hadn’t he mentioned work yet? Why was she still blushing and acting like a teeny-bopper? And now he is staring at me? What does he want?

And then he said it "I love you jacket. It's gorgeous. Cindy said you were a great dresser. Oh my God Cindy, you were so right!" Ahhhh, ok, he wants my jacket. But that doesn’t make sense. WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!?!?!?!??! I think they are making fun of me.

I gave a quick thanks. It came out far more dry then I imagined it would. Cindy mentioned I was really busy and I took the escape, agreed and walked away. As I walked away I heard, "Wow, you were right, she is so cool!" Which was replied to with "Yeah, I know, I'm so lucky to work here"

My first reaction...Those two bastards just played me like a fiddle. Who do they think they are?

Then it occurred to me that maybe they were serious. I am kinda funny sometimes. Also, I am wearing a particularly nice jacket today. Maybe they actually like me. Maybe if I would stop being so busy and listen to people more, I would see that I could have friends. Maybe If I didn’t assume that everyone only wanted something from me as opposed to just liked me, I wouldn't be so judgmental. Maybe Cindy is a really nice person that I should get to know better. Ok, she's a bit mousy and submissive, and she whines instead of actually speaking. Fine, I won’t be friends with her, but I could be more genuine and nice. At least that.

So in an effort to step things up a notch on all levels, I’m going to add the target of also being nice. Even when I'm in a hurry and have better shit to do. I will always make the effort to be nice. I may be getting played, but I may also be making someone’s day. I suppose its worth the gamble.