I think some of you will be familiar with this scenario (or maybe I am the only crazy one which is very plausible). I am strolling down the aisle at the grocery store, climbing the stairs at the gym, exiting the church doors, and I see someone I casually know but I pretend like I don't. I confess that I have passed an acquaintance without any sort of acknowledgment.
I know this doesn't happen to my outgoing husband (and son). He says hello to everyone...yes, everyone. So why do I do this? Am I being selfish and don't want to be bothered by people or do I just don't like the person? This is rare if ever the case. It's the exact opposite. I want to talk with them and acknowledge their presence (as Oprah would say). I want to be Miss Congeniality. But instead, in weird Sarahland, I look at my cell phone or attend to a child to look busy. What keeps me from saying hello or starting up a conversation?
I find that it is easy for me to approach some people easily and others I would pee in my pants while doing it. So why the two categories? Maybe fear of rejection... It seems I have made two categories of people in my head. One group intimidates me whereas I feel the other group is more approachable. So how do I distinguish which group people fall into? I think for me it has to do with their appearance and their confidence. The quiet person that doesn't seem to have many friends is much easier for me to approach then the outgoing, friendly person surrounded by people.
What is it like to be Miss Congeniality? I think she captures all opportunities to get to know others. She spends time hearing their stories. She is full of laughter. She looks for ways to care for others. She doesn't put people in categories. She has the freedom to be herself and invites others to get to know her as well. She makes a point to go out of her way to say hello to the acquaintance at the grocery store, gym, or church. I hope I continue to become more like this woman.
