I went to the same Starbucks twice in the same day, 13 hours apart. The second time I was given a free cup of decaf. Not because I was a repeat customer, because how would they know, but because people are good. Really it may have been laziness or just ease. But her simple action, my belief that she meant good, was enough to make me smile. It was a long day (evidenced by the stop at the 'bucs on Dale Mabry twice) and her easy gesture was a nice one. The idea that someone else's off handed thoughtfulness could make me so happy, is an interesting one. A science of happiness. It does not even depend on her intent or desire to do good. Like I said, it was probably that they were closing and she had shut the register. But it was that it meant a lot to me. Maybe I was in need of a boost, caffeine or otherwise, but it hit the spot and made me feel good about people. In the pop study of happiness psychology, reflecting on what makes you feel good at the end of each day is considered an important innervation. Doing so is supposed to be good for you. In the end, it makes you a happier, healthier person.
I got this "ticket" while dining at Acropolis the other night. A fun-spot Greek restaurant in Ybor. Could the people of Tampa be any nicer? A warning, that was so kind and unassuming. Smacks of good people. Again, a decision on the part of the government not to ticket those visiting or those who made a "mistake". Mine was laziness; I just didn't feel like putting money in the meter. It was dark, I was alone and running late. I would rather pay a ticket than stand and feed money into a machine, especially in a dimly lit lot at night. Seeing that the city was willing to forgive my transgression again made me smile. Very generous. Made me feel good about people, myself, and this time specifically the city of Tampa. You don't get this goodness in a bigger city. And isn't that why we live here? An affirmation of good on a number of levels; especially that I chose to live in the right place and park in the right spot. A good decision. Oh and a crazy good meal - those Greeks know how to have a good time.
Labels: Everyday Life, Perspective
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megabrooke said:
Random niceness is the best.
- 7:28 PM
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Ally said:
It always makes me feel good when I'm remembered--the Starbucks near me added a key to the register for my upside down drinks; the drink guy at my local restaurant doesn't even have to ask anymore...it's those small gestures that make me smile, and that are so easy to make.
- 8:16 PM
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Runner Girl FL said:
You have some luck!! Good for you! FUN!!
- 5:51 AM
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Accidentally Me said:
Warnings? They don't have those around here...sometimes I feel like the parking ticket revenue is like half the city budget.
- 6:02 AM
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JustRun said:
Sometimes all you need is a couple nice gestures to restore your faith in humanity. I know a parking warning instead of a ticket would do that for me. :)
- 6:16 AM
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anne said:
In New Orleans you got parking tickets like it was your job - I would frequently get two in one day.
So this was almost cute - small town friendly cute.- 9:03 AM
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acaligurl said:
its nice when a kindness is done for us!!! one year for christmas our local *bucks gave the husband and i a xmas card with the words
"triple shot american & tall non fat latte" written as the "address" and inside were 2 coupons. *bucks is spreading the love!!- 8:17 PM
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said:
Interesting to know.
- 7:09 PM
