On the importance of human interaction

"SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman" (dasborgen)
12/02/2014 at 12:19 • Filed to: None

Too often we take people for granted.

last night, I dropped by the bank to do a transaction. The teller asked me how I was doing. I said "fine thanks, how about you sir?"

I think my politeness caught him off guard, as he expressed his gratitude for me reciprocating. We talked a bit more in French since it turned out he was from Côte d'Ivoire in Africa. It was a nice interaction.

Later on, I dropped by Taco Bell and did the same when asked how I was doing as I was paying for my order. Cashier also expressed his gratitude at my reciprocation. It was nice also.

Do people not do politeness in everyday life? Wtf?

Anyway, I'm sure the universe thanked me back later that night since the Taco Bell came out solid, and not watery.

DISCUSSION (16)

For Sweden > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:20

Did the Taco Bell cashier speak French?

Mattbob > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:23

I always ask people how they are doing as well, and get the same responses. Most people must be monsters.

Vimto > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:24

I've been working retail since I was 16 (almost 20 now), I've been yelled at, disrespected, generally treated like a piece of shit by customers so many times. When someone comes along who actually treats me like a human, wants to chat and not make my day living hell, I genuinely do appreciate it, and try to capitalize on it by encouraging that kind of behavior. The minority of great people you get outweigh the majority of awfuls.

PS9 > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:25

Digesting an entire Taco Bell is not good for your gastrointestinal system man.

HammerheadFistpunch > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:26

There was a story on NPR this morning about a study where people would sit in silence, read a book, play with their phone or chat with their neighbor on their morning commutes (via train) and the happiest people were the ones who talked to their fellow passengers. Something about being human requires us to have interactions to feel good. Made me think a a little. My dad was great at this, and it drove me crazy as a kid. Best friends with every cashier, gas station attendant, and broom salesman in town. Getting the man to say more than 3 words on a road trip however...

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:28

I always make sure to greet and thank any person I interact with. It's common courtesy, and it makes the interaction and both parties' day a little better.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > For Sweden
12/02/2014 at 12:28

je n'ai pas osé demander

For Sweden > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:30

ne renonce pas le drapeau blanc hon hon hon

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > PS9
12/02/2014 at 12:31

Duly noted man

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > For Sweden
12/02/2014 at 12:33

Hannibal Buress - Jaywalking - Animal Furnace 201…:

CB > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 12:37

I always like customers who aren't assholes and I can joke around with. They're the best part of the job (especially when they pull out project car photos).

Little Black Coupe Turned Silver > HammerheadFistpunch
12/02/2014 at 12:46

I'm happiest while not talking to people on the train so... I was incredibly glad the El station I used was towards the beginning of the line, and my line used cars that had single seats, because I could generally grab one to completely avoid interacting with people. It's 7:30, I've already rode a bus for 20 mins to get to the train, and I just want to go to work. Don't make small talk with me, especially since about 9 times out of 10, it turned into the guy hitting on me and not talking no for an answer. I've had to get off the train at whatever stop was next to get away before.

HammerheadFistpunch > Little Black Coupe Turned Silver
12/02/2014 at 12:51

That was my first reaction "well the people striking up the conversation might be happier but what of the people you are 'bothering'"? I think they averaged out all the bad conversations and ended up with a net positive. I generally don't like chit chat and small talk, even with people I know and like so I know what you are on about. To Snaps point, sometimes It feels good when our standard automated responses are greated with a deviant response (from the norm) that shows that there is some attention being paid. i.e. its nice to feel like we are being heard.

Rico > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 13:02

I'm sure the Taco Bell came out watery on the way out lol

TDogg > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 13:13

I'm sure the universe thanked me back later that night since the Taco Bell came out solid, and not watery.

I'm crying!

Tohru > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/02/2014 at 20:46

I do door to door sales.

Someone's Irish Setter attacked me and tore a hole in my pants.

The owner watched it happen, did nothing to stop it, and didn't even ask me if I was okay.

When I introduced myself and said who I work for, she said, "Not interested" and slammed the door.

When The Purge happens, I'm firebombing that lady's house.