“I am a people person!” Isn’t that the generic phrase people say in interviews? But seriously, I AM A PEOPLE PERSON! I’m interested in where you come from, about your family, what do you do? My kids always rolled their eyes when new friends would come over - they thought I interrogated them. So I asked a couple (or 12) questions… What's wrong with that? I was curious! After all, these were the people our kids were hanging out with, right?
As a teacher, I was always curious about my student’s families ( the apple doesn’t fall from the tree… Isn’t that what they say?) and their lives. I wanted to make sure I was an example of respect and openness, so they in turn would do the same in and outside of our classroom. Plus, I was interested and knew I could learn from them just as much as they might learn from me.
I recently read a blog post and the author Amy Weatherly said ,”I like people who like people.” That resonated with me bigtime! I also LIKE PEOPLE WHO LIKE PEOPLE! It drives me crazy when I am around someone who puts others down and they don’t even know them. I am for the person who gives up her seat or gives a chance for something good to happen with strangers. My father in law is the best at this! He is so cute! He will stop and help anyone who needs help, ANYONE! He is known for saying, “You from around here?” and starting up random conversations in restaurants. If we are out to eat with him and he DOESN’T meet a stranger, I am shocked! He loves people! That’s why I love him so much!
I recently saw a news story about 14 strangers who were stranded at an airport and they all decided to rent a van and drive 20+ hours to a city together. Can you imagine? How fun would that be? They recorded their journey on social media and had their 15 minutes of fame! They will remember the trip FOREVER! I know they will probably end up on some talk show all together and who knows they may all become lifetime friends? These folks must be people who like people (or just super desperate to reach their destination).
I know that everyone is not this way…and that is ok! There are introverts that just really don’t have the desire to talk to strangers on the bus, train or out to eat. That’s fine. I still will like ya! Everyone is different - it’s what makes the world go round. However, if you are one of the quiet, keep to yourself people and you happen to run into me or my father in law, good luck! We will probably have you talking to us soon! We can’t help it! It’s what we do!
I truly believe it’s ok to like people and give people the benefit of the doubt. I’ve been told I trust too easily. But, if I don’t know you yet, why shouldn't I trust you? I would rather go around believing in and liking people than walking around waiting for the storm to happen everyday!
How about you? Are you a “people person?” Have you ever proclaimed that in an interview? Do you do random acts of kindness for people you don’t even know? Why not start today? Every day for a week, do something kind for someone or go out of your way to meet someone new and see what happens? Who knows… your world could change?