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Across the Fence:  I want to start a movement  |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 09:36:09 AM
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to smile and be nice to eachother. I am sick of going out in the public and seeing gloomy gusses and crabby people and people that look at you like I'm better than you. What happened to good breeding and knowing to smile and be polite and think of others as potential friends. I will be smiling and seems to me if I'm laughing people glare harder. Or if someone looks at me they give me the one over. There are SOME that smile and I smile too. I went to Barnes and Noble and first there was a crabby clerk that was super short with me when I asked about old magazines. Just looking for one and thought maybe it was somewhere I didn't see. Then a chick at the magazines was loudly complaining it was too crowded when it was me her mother and herself?! What gives? I want girls especially to smile to eachother and be nice! grrr
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
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simplyflowers
True Blue Farmgirl
489 Posts
Jamie
Locust Grove
Virginia
USA
489 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 09:53:59 AM
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OohRah!! I agree whole heartedly..
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison
Check out my blog!! http://bestcoupleintown.blogspot.com/ |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 1:45:32 PM
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I just go about my merry little way and could care LESS that other people are total sour puss'. They can turn their noses up at me all they want to, but they are NO BETTER than I am (and no LESS either), regardless of how highly they regard themselves.
Yes, sometimes it IS hard to ignore bad behavior, but if I'm a paying customer somewhere, I EXPECT to be treated courteously and, because I am pleasant to them, that attitude is usually reciprocated on their part.
What's that little saying? "Treat others as you would have them treat you?" I don't treat others badly, and I expect the same of them. If THEY can't exercise that simple common courtesy, it's not MY problem, it's THEIRS!!! They're not going to steal MY little ray of sunshine!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 2:41:32 PM
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I have been trying to be nice and cheerful whenever I am out and also when I am on the phone.
For example- I had to ask our utilities for leniency last month because of a snaffu with our bank account and Christmas and all. So I called to schedule paying this month. I was stressed and it would have been all to easy to be snappish and rain my stress all over the clerks that has the misfortune to answer my call. Instead I made myself smile so it showed in my voice. I asked their names and used them several times in the call, thanked them for their help and wished them a happy holidays. This week I called back to let them know we are coming in to pay on Friday. Again I made sure I was polite and friendly and I think they all appreciated it.
I had a great experience today! I had to run errands and everyone from Nora's Daycare lady, to the bank teller, to the Tractor Supply ladies, to the Taco Johns drive through lady were all very sweet and smiley. It was so nice!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 2:47:31 PM
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Good girls! I do as well, but I think we need to like pass the word along and make it well known that this is something happening and the world is happier when we all try. I did too Alee with someone on the phone and they said boy are you patient. I just wanted to get from A to B of the issue :-p I don't know what I want to do but like a card, a sticker, something to like encourage people to be happier.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 3:19:39 PM
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| I have noticed that when I lived in the city, people were much more rude and unfriendly. I think because there are just too many people in one space and everyone is either trying to out race everyone else on the freeway or be the first in line somewhere. Since I moved to the country things are so much slower (even MY driving), people are much friendlier, and even as you drive past a stranger taking a walk they almost always wave to you as you go past. I smile at strangers and say hi to them and 99% of the time they do the same. When you have a person behind you in the grocery checkout lane with just a few items, it's amazing how grateful they are when you let them go ahead of you. I think sometimes people feel they have to be rude so someone doesn't take advantage of them. When they see that's not what you're trying to do, they ease up and their defenses go down. The farmgirls will turn them around yet! |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 3:35:40 PM
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We just got back fromthe hardware store and the clerk( an older gentleman) was having problems wiht the computer when it came time to give us a credit for a return. When we go there usually he appears grouchy, no smile and stone faced. Today he appeared the same.. but when we finally got our business taken care of.. He actually thanked us for being so patient and told us to have a nice week! Sheesh!. Now that was a bonus to our shopping experience. So I figure Our smiles & friendly faces won him over and So I guess there are people who just Do not smile...
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Come visit the barn at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com/
Cheryl #309
Farm girl sister
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." Maya Angelou |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 3:51:30 PM
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I usually try to smile at people, even on the streets, but sometimes I don't and I just ignore people on the street (in Seattle) because of some scary experiences. To be honest, there are some scary and mean people in Seattle that I don't want to be smiling at. I've gotten death threats yelled at me for no apparent reason while walking to work in Seattle. It freaks me out and makes me feel really uncomfortable making "connections" with people on the street. Of course if someone is smiling to me, I usually smile back. I am always pleasant in stores though, and outside of the city. :)
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 3:59:09 PM
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I have always tried to smile at people when I am out.
Even if I don't feel good.
Sometimes, people will comment on how pretty my smile is.
Sometimes , people will smile back and some don't.
but, that is okay.
I think it makes one feel better to try to smile at others . pinkroses
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativetouches.blogspot.com |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 5:01:09 PM
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I like this idea! I vowed years ago that I would smile and say hello to people I met while walking the dog. Most of the time I'm greeted with smiles and hellos back and even people stopping and starting a conversation. For those who don't acknowledge me or grumble a reply I say a little prayer for them and walk on. It's amazing what a little friendliness will do.
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
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homesteaderbelle
True Blue Farmgirl
391 Posts
Belle
USA
391 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 9:12:59 PM
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When I go to town, I always try smile, be friendly, and polite. I think sometimes people just forget their manners, I do. I forget pleases, thank you's, and that sort of thing. For those grouchy people, I try to think they are just having a bad day.
There was this one worker at a store that I often shop at that was grouchy and extra grouchy to children. My family was always polite even when she was unpolite. Now, when we see her working, she comes up to us in the store, talks to us, asks how we are doing, smiles, and is extra friendly, helpful and polite. She is so sweet to us now!
Belle
http://www.homesteaderbelle.blogspot.com/
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2009 : 10:00:10 PM
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Amen, sister farmgirl! Like Belle, I to always try to be nice. I hold doors for men, am nice to the clerk who gets razzed by impaitent people, I always feel good when I get home, hoping that I made someone else feel good. Hey, it doesn't cost a thing!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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5 acre Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1007 Posts
~~~*Terri*~~~
WA.
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2009 : 07:49:07 AM
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Maybe we can "teach" others to smile , if we start the "movement" ourselves .....it is contagious , when someone is happy , or smiling ...it seems to me anyhows ....Lets start today!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Farmgirl Sister #368
http:/froccsfrillsfurbiloesandmore.blogspot.com
http://thecontentedwoman.blogspot.com
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2009 : 08:42:22 AM
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YES, I love smiles and half the time when I do people are SURPRISED! but IDK if you guys get this but lil younger chicks (younger than me and my age) tend to do that stare down I know it happens but I mean what if chicks were friendly to each other......idk know if I make sense. I think women need to UNITE. We have so much to offer each other. Like old times. Sorry for rambling :-p
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jan 13 2009 : 1:29:46 PM
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This is a good one and I've been thinking about it for days. I suppose the thing I want to share is that we may never know the effect of our smiles on another person. In other words, suppose we are kind and gentle with someone who responds to us with irritation, aloofness and even avoidance. In that moment the exchange is harsh and unpleasant and we may feel rejected and annoyed tempted to make gross generalizations that 'people are more rude these days' and the like. We may forget to stop and consider that our smiles and our kindness is a gift that is meant to be passed along as the spirit moves another. Who's to say that the irritated person we smiled at and felt dismissed by isn't going to somehow later that day feel softened by that smile, perhaps more relaxed and then in turn smile and share some kindness with someone else? We may never know.
It makes me think of something that happened to me last year about 3 days after we learned of Aria's leukemia. I had to go buy a new car seat for my son because I was thinking that someone else would have to pick him up from school and I wanted to be prepared with an extra seat. I was reeling at that time with the news about Aria and all the changes and decisions we were having to make. I remember so clearly wandering around the store feeling like it was dream. I remember looking at people wondering if they had a son or daughter die because of one reason or another. At that time, Aria dying was all was thinking about and the devastation and fear I had was so immense.
I remember going to the check out line and the young girl, who couldn't have been more than 20, smiled at me so sweetly. It was so weird to look at her and to be in a position where I had no joy whatsoever to return to her. I'd never experienced anything like it in my life. She asked, "How are you today?" At that moment tears were welling in my eyes and I remember I dropped my keys as I was fumbling for my debit card. I bent down to pick them up and burst into tears. She stood before me, the poor thing, stunned unknowing what to say. I apologized profusely at the same time feeling confused as to why I was sorry. I told her, "My daughter was just diagnosed with cancer and I feel so lost and sad. That's how I am today." Poor thing was totally unprepared for the likes of me. She nodded and half-smiled just not knowing what to do or say. As I was leaving she said almost automatically, "Well, have a nice day!"
It was the most surreal exchange I've ever had. I went to my car and cried and laughed at the same time. I've never experienced such a jumble of emotion but it has taught me a great insight and that is, that we can't possibly know what people are dealing with at any given time on any given day. At the same time, peoples' capacity to handle the spectrum of emotion we're all capable of varies greatly.
I'm learning to smile with my eyes...to try to make connections that way and leave it at that. I don't know if people crave cheerfulness or need to feel more happy. It is my very humble opinion that people crave what is genuine...
So here's to genuine farmgirl spirit..smiles, cheers, kindness, presence but most of all the gift of our genuine selves.
~julia
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com |
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velvetcadi7
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Amy
Galva
IL
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 09:31:28 AM
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A long time ago a group of friends and I went to a pcychic - for fun. But something that she told me has stuck with me. She said people always question why they are here and asked if I would like to know my purpose in life....hmmmm...OK...She said my purpose was to spread joy with my contagious smile. It would not matter what my chosen career was or where I went on my life path but whereever I was and whatever I was doing, I would be touching people and usually wouldn't even know that I was doing it! I have worked at several different jobs from offices to fastfood to bars and always wonder how many people have walked away from me feeling a little better themselves.
There is also a guy who works the drive thru at a local McDonalds and always says silly things like "have a happy mcday". I have noticed that no matter what I was thinking about when I pulled into the drive thru; I am smiling when I leave. |
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LauriP
True Blue Farmgirl
239 Posts
Laurianne
Hertford
North Carolina
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 1:01:45 PM
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** ** I was raised to always be polite, be kind, all of that. But, naturally thru some horrid experiences, I've had to realize that I've been Anything But Nice to some people, esp. on those phone calls where you have to explain Why you're late (by one day) with a payment. Or, you're not choosing a particular product somebody is pushing on you.
So I'm trying to stop being rude when Rude people get under my skin. I realized that where we used to live, it was almost a daily event to have some person be rude to me. The problem is, that friends tell me that I'm "Too nice" to others. And I guess, people who are not polite, or nice to others, can sense when they come up to somebody else not angry like them. And they try to make me (or somebody else)angry and rude like them.
Today when I had to make a call to our phone company, I had a great conversation w/the Cust. Service Person. I kid you Not -- we talked for over 30 minutes!! Yaa!! Being nice, sharing little stories, it really made for a very pleasant phone call!! -- And I'm all for being that way with the next, and the next phone calls..meeting people in offices, etc. --
This must be the '09 Resolution for us? !!
Laurianne |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jan 14 2009 : 1:31:03 PM
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You know what makes me sorta be like oh cool, If anyone watches Desperate Housewives, Breigh is super nice to a point where like she gets things done but is stern in her politeness. I kinda like it. Call me crazy.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Kim
Ligonier
SW Pennsylvania
USA
14 Posts |
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Across the Fence: I want to start a movement |
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I want to start a movement
