Human Consideration

I realized something today-

Typically, when we look at other people, say in a 7/11 or at a bus stop, or checking out groceries... We dont stop to think of who that person is, really. As of now the guy riding his bike smoking a cigarette, is just that. We dont stop to think:

What his name is, his favorite color, or ice cream he likes. Nor do we know if he has children or a spouse. We dont know if he just robbed a bank, or if he donates blood every year.

We calls 'em like we sees 'em. Some guy.

Its sad in a way that we never stop to think about that mans life, and all he has done or wants to do. He had a child hood, he gets sick, and he laughs at jokes, and cries when in pain. We all do.

And there is that guy on the motorcycle that cuts you off. First reaction is to swear and honk at his driving skills. He may be in a hurry to get to the hospital cause his girlfriend is going into labor. Or could be late for work. Or hes just being an ass hole.

When we look at a crowd of people- thats exactly what we see. (unless your selling stuff, then you see wallets) We never stop and think that some of those people have allergies. Others are going hungry today. Others aren't feeling well.

Id like to see people as their name and who they are. Everyone wear "Hello my name is:" tags, and we will have an ice breaker. You talk to people at the store when you see a name tag, because it is a level of trust you gain from subconsciously seeing (or knowing) that. You could go into your grocery store, see a young man stocking up canned goods. Say hello to him. Get his name. Ask him something nice, like his preference of the item he is stocking.

I did this many times at a circle k. I'd go in grab a soda, and ask for a scratch-off. when they ask me which one, i say "Surprise me" or something similar. most of the time they smile or laugh, and hand me one. Now, what i find great to do, is win my money back on the ticket. I brought it back in and handed it to the cashier who gave it to me. We joke about them being lucky, and they ask if i want cash or another ticket. "How bout you keep it?"

The look on their face is something i love to see. Shock, and surprise. "Have a great day!" go bout my business like it never happened. I know this person like i know popular music. (not at all) and i gave them a dollar for no reason. Just to do it. I dont care what they do with it, but i like to think i helped them out by showing them i remember they are not just a clerk. They are a person with a life, and have their own problems at home. That one dollar could have helped them buy a loaf of bread for their family, or finish paying their water bill, buy a text book for school, or buy a pack of smokes. I gave it out of generosity. I do not expect to walk into the store and ask for it to be paid back, nor for anyone to give me a dollar just because i did it. I only tell this story for an example. I did not know them, but i still consider their lives as i do my own. My only regret was not asking what they wanted to drink or a snack.

As for myself, i work fast food in the kitchen. i work long shifts sometimes and dont get to eat the food i cook for 6-10 hours at a time. But customers do not care who or how many people are making their order, just as long as they get it hot, fast, and delicious. Even large orders, 10 burgers in drive thru when i'm going on 8 hours not eating, and the only one in the back.

This is what i get paid to do, so im not complaining, just take into consideration that the one making your double cheese burger with super sized fries and shake... may not have eaten for 10 hours now. Or may have been holding their bladder for 3 hours.

Before cussing out the person who made your order wrong, or gave you the wrong item, think about how busy they may have been, how long that person has been there, or the fact they may have needed to use the bathroom. Yes, we all make mistakes, but we are human, just like you. You need to eat just like i do, have to use the bathroom, have bad days, and get tired.

Maybe the manager you are giving a hard time is going through a bad divorce and is more concerned with loosing custody over his kids than you not getting cheese on your burger.

Before treating people like they are stupid minions, paid to be your bitch, consider this:

They make your order, they got your credit card number.

Dont dish out something you wont eat.