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, without affectation.

“Same to you,” he replied briefly, but with the best and most sincere smile he could offer.

The cashier’s eyes gave him a silent “thank you”, and he felt something new: empathy.

He grabbed the bag and walked out of the supermarket with an item he had never tried before.

And that morning, the people he passed on the street seemed to look at him with greater warmth.

It took him a while to realize he had forgotten to take off the smile as he left the supermarket.

On our shopping list we usually write down bread, milk, or vegetables. But sometimes it’s worth adding: “Empathy. Smile. Eye contact.” They might just be the most valuable things we can share.

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