Nice People Rock

During the past few weeks I’ve had the chance to meet quite a few nice people. Really, really nice people seem to be showing up everywhere. And yes – I am still living in Boston, which makes this almost unbelievable.

I remember a conversation that I had, a few years ago, with one of my many sisters: we talked about how one smile or showing of kindness can make your whole day. It’s true. Since that conversation I’ve tried to spread a little kindness wherever I go (well, maybe not the post office, but most places).

It’s o.k. to stop and chat with a stranger. I don’t mean flirting – I’m all in favor of flirting but this isn’t about that – because when flirting is involved, there’s an end point in mind. The kindness I’m talking about has nothing to do with how things will turn out. It’s really just a passing smile, or holding a door open, or helping someone with a heavy bag.

After so many years in this tough town, I’d forgotten what it was like for a total stranger to be nice. Then, this weekend, my friend M. and I set up our canopy and folding tables at a Boston open air market. It was hotter than any Sunday I can recall, and all the soaps I’d so lovingly crafted were on the brink of melting. But it was o.k., because just about every person who stopped by our booth was genuinely nice. Of course it’s awesome – and reassuring – to go to a craft fair and sell the things you’ve made. But kindness is actually priceless.

Early in the morning, my friend and booth partner had to make a run to a local hardware store (we needed sandbags to hold down our canopy). Seeing that I was on my own, a fellow vendor walked over, introduced herself, and said that if I needed a break she’d be happy to cover for me. My response: “Are you from here?” She was nice! She was kind and cheerful and friendly. I thought for a minute that I was on another planet. I know, I’m being a little sassy but the thing is, I’d forgotten what it was like to feel such kindness from an absolute stranger.

Something interesting happened then: almost everyone with whom I interacted that day showed the same sort of kindness. I loved it! I had gotten into some sort of groove, or time warp, or something. The nice people zone.

I want to stay in this zone for a while. As much as I like to write about crazy city folks, and the people who get too close to me in line at the post office, and the very loud cell phone talkers… nice people really do finish first.

Until next time,

Conna