Please & Thank You print by littleminnowdesigns.etsy.com
With Father's day a mere minutes away, I want to reflect on one of the best gifts my parents have given me: manners. Even in the face of annoyance, changes in plans, dissappointment, and any other social confusion, two simple phrases have never done me wrong: Please and Thank You.
At the shop today, it was our business district's summer festival, Art on the Avenue. Nothing garners more grumbling than trying to organize a large scale venue, especially one that relies on the temperments of both artists AND retailers, both infamous for their, shall we say, quirky social skills (well, nothing, that is, except trying to herd a gaggle of small children through their day--I'd say the two experiences are pretty similar).
But, throughout the day, in moments where I really just wanted to throw my hands up or dig my heels in like so many of the frustrated folks around me, I found that a smile and a simple "please" make it so much easier to get what you want or need. Often, we are all working to appease our immediate needs or those of the people relying on us (children, vendors, customers), and it is very easy to feel entitled, self-centered, and anxious. But you know what? Often all you have to do is breathe, come up with an idea for a solution, and ASK for help. Nicely. It really goes a long way.
And then, to acknowledge that you have been given the gift of someone's time, patience, cooperation, and sometimes generosity, a simple thank you can mean the world, and will keep those doors open for the future.
So, mom and dad, for all of those trying moments when you could have given up on me but , instead, chose to ask me to PLEASE listen to your words of loving advice (even if they were muttered through clenched teeth): THANK YOU.
