Pass the Honey

It’s Two Cents Tuesday…

Let’s recall the great expression – you get more bees with honey than with vinegar. 

It doesn’t take a college degree, or a high IQ, or lots of money to be nice.  All it takes is common sense.  I see it as Life 101.  If you’re kind to people, and speak to them with respect, you will never go wrong.  In business, in relationships, at the bank, in the grocery store, to strangers and family members – treat people as you would want to be treated.

I know it’s not easy to do all the time – or to do with people who are mean or negative or who have hurt us – but it’s in those moments we need to rise above it and continue to act in kindness.  One of the first things we teach our children is to say please and thank you – we ingrain it in their daily responses.  It’s important not to take those simple words for granted – because they can be as precious as gold.

And really, what does it take to be nice?  Nothing but a little thought – that’s it.  I sent an email to a business contact recently,  inquiring about an opportunity for her client….her response was “He’s not available.”  That’s it…no “Thanks for asking”, or “I’m sorry, he’s not available” – no warmth at all (I do understand tone is difficult to read in an email).  The reality is this person doesn’t care what I think and that’s fine….my point is that it would’ve only taken a second to add a word of courtesy, to alter the tone and thus alter my opinion.  And more importantly, to just be nice.

Here’s the deal – if we treated everyone as equals, as fellow human beings trying to make their way in this life, we would all be better off.  We would feel better about ourselves – and our friends, family and co-workers would feel better too.  Don’t just treat the boss nicely and speak disrespectfully to your co-worker.  Don’t speak harshly to a family member or a good friend.  You can say what you have to say, even if it’s something you are upset about, with kindness and humility.  It will go such a very long way.

None of us are perfect…not one single person.  But we all have the ability to make everyone we know (and even strangers) feel good and feel respected – all it takes is a drop of that golden honey. – BB