A few years ago I started doing this thing when I was out with my kids. When we ordered something, inevitably the cashier or server would ask, “anything else?”.
I started responding with “would you like anything?”
This would get a laugh or smile and a bashful shake of their head no. Sometimes I get a “thanks for asking though”.
I always got a smile but no one ever said yes. For three years, no one had ever accepted the offer.
Until Vivian.
Here was our conversation:
Vivian: “anything else?”
Me: “would you like something?”
Vivian: places her hand to heart, smiles with confusion and says “are you serious, you would buy me something?”
Me: “yes I would. Is there something you want?”
Vivian: with tears in her eyes and a beaming smile, “I can’t believe this. Thank you so much.” And she added her order to my bill.
Me: with tears in my eyes and a beaming smile, “you’re most welcome.”
What started off as something playful had turned into a valuable lesson for me; all relationships require courage.
1) The courage to offer and give help.
2) The courage to accept and receive help.
Today, be courageous.