The Power of Saying Hello
By: Shannel Wheeler
Tags: Growth, Kindness, Humanity, Empathy, Personal Development

I like to say hello to strangers. I know that might sound weird (or dangerous), but I’m amused by it. Of course, I practice my best judgment (I’m not greeting people in dark alleyways or anything like that) and I do so in settings where I see people in passing — at work, in coffee shops, on the street, in the elevator. It’s my philosophy that if I make eye contact with someone in close enough proximity, I might as well say “hi”. Why? Well here are a few reasons:

Be a human

We live in an age where it’s hard not to find everyone’s face buried in their phone. Get in an elevator and see what activity people default to — pulling out their phone to browse, scroll and click just long enough to avoid eye contact or conversation. Why is this? I like to get on with a “Good morning” (if the mood is right), look up at the electronic ads or face forward (instead of looking down at my phone), and then leave with a “Have a nice day”. It doesn’t really take much effort, and sometimes it sparks a light and pleasant conversation. Human interaction — it’s just a nice thing to engage in now and again. The elevator is a good way to do that without long-term commitment. Say “Hi” to the janitor, the mail lady or someone who you might otherwise overlook. We’re all human and deserve acknowledgment.

Make life interesting

You never know who you will influence, or vice versa, by simply greeting them. You never know what kind of conversations, connections or relationships can spark from a smile, a head nod of acknowledgment or a “hello.” I was once in a fast-casual sandwich shop, minding my own business when an elderly lady greeted me and asked what I was studying on my computer. I kindly told her that my school days had long been over and I was actually working on my business. Well, we got to chatting about what I did as a designer, including my experience and the goals I was striving towards. It was strange, prophetic and wonderful all at the same time, but that lady spoke some really wonderful words over my life and told me that I was going to do some great things in the future. I was so grateful and humbled by her words; that amazing exchange would have never happened if two strangers weren’t willing to do what some won’t — make eye contact and say “hello”.

Make someone else’s day

It’s such a simple gesture, but saying “hello” to someone just might make their day. You never know what people are going through behind their smiles, frowns, or distant gazes. A short greeting and smile could be just the acknowledgment, encouragement or positivity they need.

A few years back, there was a barista at a coffee shop that I used to always speak to. I observed that she seemingly had an attitude at times (rolling her eyes at co-workers, long sighs, hand gestures, etc.), but she always treated me with respect. She’d gripe about her schedule or something that wasn’t going well, but she would also share funny jokes or coffee tips. During one of my many visits, we had a conversation about our favorite foods and she mentioned a burrito restaurant nearby. A couple of weeks later, I came to order a drink and also gift her with a $5 gift card to the burrito spot she had mentioned. To my surprise (and hers), she thanked me with tears in her eyes and told me it had been a long time since someone had done something nice for her.

Practice Kindness

It’s nice to be nice. It can also be unexpected. You may think that the cashier, barista or teller are apathetic, but ask them how their day is going so far. I find that most are surprised and appreciative that someone would take the time to check on their well being, versus barking orders or complaining. I once boarded a plane where the flight attendant kindly asked everyone how they were doing as they boarded. When I got to her section, she asked me the same and I followed with, “How are you doing?” She thanked me and proclaimed that I was the first person to ask her that all day.