My New Resolution: Saying Hello
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This happens for a lot of dumb reasons. There's something about impromptu small talk that lands in my ear like fingernails on a chalk board. I'm afraid of the embarassment of not being able to remember their name and the embarassment of them not being able to remember mine.
The funny thing is that if I know in advance that I'm likely to run into them--say I'm going to church--then I'm prepared. I can pace with all the best small talkers.
I don't want to be this way. I don't want to keep pushing people away. I want to be a friendly guy.
Yesterday, I was walking in town and went past a person I had only met about three weeks ago. At first, I just kept walking, as if I didn't recognize him. Then I stopped, turned around, and greeted him.
I don't know why "Hi, how are you?" became so difficult to say. Like anything, I guess, it requires practice.
Labels: growth, personality, resolution
1 Comments:
I think it also requires feeling at ease with the anxiety this seems to bring out in you. I think turning the other way = fearing your anxiety. (I turn the other way, too, and wish I didn't. But when I decide to stop and say hi I'm always glad I did.)
I'm glad you wrote this, and glad I read it this morning. I am leaving in a couple of hours to go on a meditation retreat, where I will experience this same anxiety throughout the weekend I'm sure. I will think of you! And I will say hello.
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