Okay, so today I wanted to try something a little different. I’ve been feeling like I’m stuck in a routine, you know? Same people, same conversations, same everything. So, I decided to try and “meet each person unexpecting.” Sounds kinda weird, right? But the idea is to approach everyone like you’re meeting them for the first time, with no preconceived notions or expectations.
Getting Started
I started this morning with my usual coffee run. Usually, I just grab my coffee and go, barely making eye contact. But today, I forced myself to slow down.
- I looked the barista in the eye.
- I asked her how her day was going, and actually listened to her answer.
Turns out, she’s training for a marathon! Who knew? I definitely wouldn’t have known if I’d just rushed out like usual. It was a small thing, but it already felt different.
The Workday Experiment
Work was the real test. I have, shall we say, established relationships with my coworkers. Some good, some…less good. I decided to wipe the slate clean, at least in my own head.
I walked into meetings pretending I didn’t know anything about the people there. I listened to what they were saying without jumping to conclusions or making assumptions. Honestly, I noticed a lot more. People’s body language, the tone of their voice…things I usually tune out.
There was this one guy, Mark, who I usually find kind of annoying. Always interrupting, always with the negative comments. But today, I tried to see him with fresh eyes. And you know what? I realized he was actually making some good points, even if his delivery was a bit rough. I even engaged with him in a conversation, and we, you know, connected a little. Wow.
The Evening Reflection
After work, I usually just veg out on the couch. But today, I called my mom. We talk pretty often, but it’s usually the same old stuff. Today, I asked her about her childhood, something I’d never really delved into before. It was…amazing. I learned so much about her, and I felt closer to her than I have in years.
So, yeah, “meeting each person unexpecting” turned out to be pretty cool. It’s not like I’m going to be a totally different person overnight, but it’s a good reminder to slow down, pay attention, and give people a chance. You might be surprised by what you discover. It wasn’t perfect, but it was an experiment, and a fun one. Definetely learned a bit.
