Well, I’m back. I haven’t actually been gone, I’m not sick, and I stay indoors a lot because it is hot. My excuses are Independence Day, finishing up the delayed tax season yesterday and finding a word that starts with the letter “X”, which is the next letter. Probably the last reason is most accurate.
In any case, the word is “Xenial.” It basically means being nice, kind, hospitable, and friendly to visitors.
But why be nice only to visitors. How hard would it be to be nice to everyone. Sometimes things go wrong and you have a problem and need to call or visit someone or some business to discuss the problem or complain. Someone will answer the phone or be behind the counter, but they have nothing to do with creating the problem. Raising your voice or insulting them will not get you any closer to the resolution of your problem. Sometimes, they are the initial guards who have no authority to make any decision and can only address the problem within their scope of the authority given to them.
If you are nice, kind and friendly to that person, you will find that they can go much further in helping you to resolve the problem. Remember, they are just a person … same as you. You catch more bees with honey than with vinegar, as the saying goes. If they cannot provide you with the resolution you are seeking, simply ask to speak to their supervisor or for the location where you can get results.
If you do this, you will get further and have lowered your blood pressure at the same time.
