Rule To Live By #52

Rule to Live By #52: Find ways to genuinely connect with others each day.

This thought bubbled to the surface of my mind as I reflected on a recent conversation with mother. She shared some really profound insights about dealing with people in today's world. And as society continues to evolve and change, so must the way we deal with people.

While the concept of being yourself only with those people who've earned the privilege might be something commonplace to you, it is somewhat foreign to me. I've spent my life being real, genuine and down-to-earth. It is part of my DNA.

If you know mother and/or me, we're both down to earth and really care about the people we encounter in life on a daily basis.  This type of behavior didn't begin with me, it was modeled to me during my formative years.

If you've seen me compliment someone about a shirt, a nice smile, a new haircut or a piece of jewelry - whatever it might be - the compliment is genuine. You see my mother taught me how to look at people and really notice things about them. She taught me how to say things to connect with others anywhere, anytime.

There is a feeling of satisfaction I receive when I verbalize something something I notice about another person. It may be a simple interest in what they did for the weekend or praise for something they've accomplished. Regardless of what it is, people are hungry for others to connect with and notice them.

Over the past decade or more, society has begun to change. It seems that people don't notice or care about others unless it helps them achieve something. Sadly, people have become self-centered and focused on themselves. They don't care about the strangers they pass in stores or even the people they spend hours working with at their place of employment. It almost appears as if people have coated themselves in plastic, so what they present to others is fake.

The sad part is that when that plastic person needs something from someone else, they automatically turn on the interest and charm. It is almost like they are showing their hand without trying. This evokes thoughts like "Oh, my, (insert name) is being nice to me or acted interested in my world. I wonder what he/she wants."

Sadly, I have actually been on the receiving end of someone using my genuineness against me. And unfortunately, experiences show that the majority of society doesn't really care about anyone but themselves. 

Each day we should strive to look at those around us and try to genuinely connect with them. Ask others how they are doing. Really listen and respond to what they share. Take a moment to compliment complete strangers and those you know... about anything.

If you do this often enough, I guarantee you will begin to notice a change in how you live life and see the world. And along the way, you'll probably touch someone who really needs their day brightened. 

(I just discovered I never published this when I drafted it back in March of 2014. So here goes...)