In early August, on my way back from the USA, I checked in at the United Airlines counter in Boston for a flight to Los Angeles. The lines leading to the customer relations counters were all busy so we all waited patiently as the line was slowly moving along.
For me, I was mesmerizing the past weeks events. The week was a very positive one with my eldest daughter getting married and everything went well – the rehearsal, pre-dinner among the in-laws, best man and maid of honor and close friends. The morning of the wedding, we all were gathered at the Chapel early and had time to chat with the guests as they walked in. The wedding ceremony went well and my daughter Jess chanted a soul stirring prayer. Her chanting moved everyone.
So as you can see, I did not mind the long wait to reach the UA counter. I was happily observing my surroundings, with positive thoughts of the past week. Finally I reached the counter, gave the tired looking gentleman a warm smile and mentioned that I truly appreciated how pleasantly he has been dealing with the long line of customers, even though some of them were very unpleasant to him with their tone of voice. He mentioned that it was all part of his job. He looked behind me and saw that there were no other customers and so chatted more with me about where I am from and other pleasantries and at the same time checking me in for the next flight out. Then came a problem – my luggage was over weight by 1.5 kg. and mentioned that I need to pay US$100. I looked at him smiled and asked if anything can be done. He mentioned that these days the rules for overweight are followed very closely. Then he took a look at me, still smiling and pleasant, said let me see what I can do for you. He returned a few minutes later and said with a smile that all is well and that I did not have to pay any additional charges. He smiled and said I wished all my customers were as pleasant as you. I thanked him for the compliment.
The point is to always try and maintain a positive attitude, show human kindness, smile and be good to others. The most important outcome is that others are happy dealing with you.
Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.
– Franklin Delano Roosevelt
