I Confess… My First Impression Was Wrong

It happened at a town hall conducted by our fabulous Congressman Mike Levin. Given the divisive nature of my country right now, my emotions were high. I was talking to Louise, sitting next to me and, I must admit, had a rather loud voice.

The woman seated to my right gave us curt looks, rolled her eyes, and “humphed.”   Louise determined she was from the “other” political party.

I agreed.

But then I decided to reach across the seat and tell her how much I liked her hairstyle (which was true).  She smiled.

During our conversation, we discovered that both of us have hearing loss. My new friend can’t wear hearing aids, but I can. Louise’s loud voice was irritating and stopped conversations.

Over the next hour, we found much in common about what was so scary and wrong with our nation and what we might do to help right the massive swing to the right. 

Bottom line: I think my new friend Frances and I will meet at another meeting. We might share some wine together—or not.

My lesson: Reach out and find something neutral and kind. I was surprised by the outcome. Let me know what you discover.

Also, my assistant tells me that she looks for people she can complement because it makes her happy to create smiles.