ON THE SHOPPING LIST
On the Shopping List Sometimes, admirable gestures don’t need to be heroic. A small change in our routine can transform the way others see us... and how we see ourselves. He had decided to try it out that very morning. He had read the idea in a book on social skills : empathy was what he lacked. And the suggestion was very simple: make eye contact, smile, and say thank you . He didn’t blame his reserved nature, but he knew his tendency to get lost in thought was pushing people away. The cashier had already handed him the receipt along with his change and finished packing his groceries, while he, eyes lowered, put the coins into his wallet. “Have a good day,” he heard. It sounded quite natural, not at all forced. And then he remembered his plan. He put his wallet back in his pocket, lifted his eyes, and looked directly at the cashier. She still held the trace of a smile, which made it easier for him to smile back, naturally,...