Being Sweet

The Split Second-In Consideration of Others in These Trying Times

I thank all of you who have been so supportive as I try to get support for my unpublished book The Split Second:  In Consideration of Others or Look Up from the Phone and How to Deal with Rudeness in Others. As of this writing, I can state that there is little hope right now for success; however, I want to stress that it is a little hope. As some of us might say, “some is better than none.” I think I should leave that one for right now.

Last week, I went to a restaurant where I occasionally luncheon or dine. The waitress (I still think the terms “waiter” and “waitress” are better than server) was very kind. I thanked her profusely each time she brought the next food item to my table and refilled my iced tea. I smiled each time I offered my thank. I kidded around with her, and as we said goodbye, I looked up at here and said, “You’re not going to work too hard today, are you?” This is a standard bit of humor I use with restaurant or store employees to get a laugh hopefully. She replied with a big smile, “Thanks for being so sweet.”

I felt good when this lovely and efficient waitress offered such a kind comment. I also thought of how many of my fellow gender of males do not like the moniker “sweet.” Merriam-Webster defines “sweet, “the third definition as “marked by gentle good humor or kindliness as in a “sweet disposition.” I felt on “cloud nine” when this lovely lady referred to me in the way she did. I can be called “sweet” anytime, and to be honest here, I am referred to as being sweet. My masculinity is not threatened by that description.

The Split Second advocates that if we all take a moment as we deal with others; in this case with restaurant employees, store clerks, and any other staff members we deal with in day-to-day life, with some modicum of sweetness. Doing so would not bring down a man’s masculinity, and it just may make the world a nicer place to live in each day. That is what The Split Second is all about.