Performancing Metrics

6.01.2011

The Kindness of Strangers

It was not a good morning. My hair was doing that thing where it doesn't do anything. The first item on my agenda was a meeting during which I was going to have to tell someone "No", repeatedly. The cat was meowing incessantly to be fed a second breakfast. I stubbed my toe. By the time I left the apartment, I was frustrated and cranky, and my normal policy of smiling and greeting any neighborhood passerby was in danger of being overarchingly ignored. But! Then something happened that turned it all around.

I know most of the folks on my street, at least by face, if not by name. But that morning a woman I did not recognize was out walking her dog. "Excuse me", she said, as we crossed each other's path. "You look beautiful! I love your dress".                                                                                                                                
These words did not change any of the facts associated with my morning. I still had to attend that wretched meeting. My toe was still bruised. But my attitude had experienced a complete 180. A smile lit up my face, and by some miracle, it stayed there. I was cordial and prepossessing during my meeting. During another meeting filled with intense negotiation, I happily tried to address my colleagues' concerns. To put it mildly, I was simply better at everything I did for the rest of the day. So while I do not depend on the kindness of strangers, I certainly believe in the power of kindness!

Has a stranger's comment or action ever made your day?


Dress: Modcloth
Cardigan: Target
Shoes: Melissa Shoes
Necklace: Target
Watch & Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Check out my GUEST POST today on The Clothing Menu!



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18 comments :

  1. Anonymous6/01/2011

    That color is sublime on you!

    xoxo
    Miss Neira

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  2. the dress is so cute and you look lovely

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  3. That dress is beautiful on you! I love when random people do that. I always try to tell someone when I love their outfit.

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  4. @Caitlin Me too! You never know when someone is having a rough day. You could be the thing that turns it around for them!

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  5. That dress is amazing! Looks so comfy too. I'm glad your day turned around and a nice comment always helps! I have mornings like those all the time.

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  6. think about how many days you make when you're on your "A" game! our society doesn't realize (or care, possibly) how a kind word or a smile can really impact others, especially a stranger.

    i've had some instances where a stranger or even a friend has turned my day around with a random, nice comment. in remembering those moments, i always make sure to stop someone if i love their outfit, or smile when i cross their path. if everyone did this our world would be a much better place!

    and that lady was right, your dress is beautiful! and so are you! :)

    -suzanne
    awkwardly chic

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  7. that was so sweet, and you do look beautiful! i am a firm believer that a little bit of kindness goes a long way!

    -j
    sorelle in style

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  8. That color is superb on you!

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  9. @dana trombley, Miss Neira, jardelle Thank you! I love this creamsicle color. Although one person did tell me that "I needn't worry about being hit by any cars". They meant that in the best way possible :)

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  10. @le sorelle, Shanna-Marie We always enjoy getting compliments! But it is interesting to now that one can really take your attitude from awful to awesome. I am so with you in trying to remember that a kind word can make a difference!

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  11. Aw, that dress looks lovely on you, and I'm so happy that someone was able to make your day! It's amazing how kind words can make someone feel so differently, and I try to stop people on the street if I'm loving what they're wearing.

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  12. @suzanne WELL SAID. I am constantly amazed by the power of words. Or, as you astutely point out, even a smile.

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  13. @Michele That's a good practice! That is what that lady did to me, and I am so thankful she did!

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  14. Anonymous6/01/2011

    So funny! I was just thinking about this! It happened both yesterday and today, and it was exactly what I needed at each moment.

    I want to make it a point to say something next time I'm admiring someone (but I'm so painfully awkward I'm afraid it will come off as creepy)!

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  15. @covetouscreatures.com Unless you are a leering old man (which I know you are not) you will not come off as creepy!

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  16. Love the color of this dress on you! Gorgeous!

    Shasie
    Live Life in Style

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  17. What a wonderful thing! The colour of your dress is great :)
    I always tell people if I like something they are wearing because it is always nice when I receive a compliment myself. Share the love :)
    Lydia

    www.styleindependent.com

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  18. That sweater is adorable! Sometimes the smallest things completely change our attitudes, don't they?

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