Smile-Inducer

So today while I was in Teaism waiting for my drink, a woman walked in and nearly bumped into me. In saying sorry her eyes did that slide-away-from-who-you-are-talking-to, which to me generally implys distractedness.

Then, she turns to me and says "I'm sorry are you OK?"
Blank look response.
And she asks "I'm sorry, just when I walked in it looked like there was something wrong. Are you OK? You look like you need a hug."

!!!!

I almost offered to buy her tea, if I didn't think it would have engendered a prolonged conversation that would feel awkward. But really, how sweet! How much more random act of kindness do you get?

Now part of me was kinda insulted because I had just gotten my hair cut and styled, and damnit one wants to assume they look fabulous right then. But I've been working too much, saying goodbye to good friends and sleeping too little lately, so I do look a little wrecked. What really struck me was that she noticed me as a person. How often do you really notice people on the street? Not their clothes, or their walk, or what they are doing. How often do you look at another person and really see them? She did, and what's more she reached out and offered comfort to a total stranger just because she thought I might need it. Amazing.

So here's to you random girl in green at Teaism, thanks for bringing a smile to my face and thanks for reminding me what is really important.