Little Things That Make A Difference

Just the other day, I bumped into a woman, who looked a little lost – in case you’re wondering how I noticed, let’s just say my orientation isn’t that great and if I didn’t have Google Maps as my constant companion, you’d probably see me with that same look on my face a lot! Anyways, after noticing her, I figured the least I could do was ask if she needed help. She looked at me puzzled and asked “sprechen Sie englisch?” I replied “yes” and, suddenly, her eyes lit up. She told me how she was just visiting friends here and originally from a very small town in Canada. She also told me how shocked she was to be in a big city again because it seemed like no one even bothered to make eye contact…

This really got to me. I must admit that I don’t always try to make eye contact with others. In fact, sometimes, especially in the train, I even deliberately avoid others although – to be honest – I couldn’t even tell you why. Anyways, in a way, the lady I met made me realize what a difference our small gestures, like making eye contact, can mean to others.

In a way, I’d like to think it shows we’re here for each other!