Saying Hi

I talk a lot when I'm out in the world.  Today I was running errands and as I was talking to a lady about her intricate hair style while I was shopping for diapers I suddenly realized I may have a stranger conversation compulsion.  I spark up conversations with a lot of people, and, the best part is that most (if not all) people will talk back to me. They just needed someone else to get the conversation started and I have no problem with that.

When Jamie and I first started dating, I would say, "Hi" to people all the time (I still do), and he would say, "Who was that?" and I would always reply, "I don't know, I just said Hi."  Very quickly, he stopped asking.  It's like this reflex I have.  Now, I don't want you to think I'm this "Hi" machine, and that every person who crosses my path receives a "Hi" from me.  No, that would be crazy.  But, when I'm out running in my neighborhood (or wherever), I say "Hi" to people I go by, or if I I'm standing in line, I might give the person beside me a little smile with a "Hi."  Not in a weird way, but a friendly way.  I don't know.  I really don't have any control over it.  It just comes out, but I'm pretty sure I know where it originated from. 

I'm an only child and I believe that my mother trained me to be friendly, or at least be open to meeting and talking to people.  She tells stories of how I would go up to kids in the playground or at the wading pool and say, "Hi, my name is Beth, do you want to play?"  As an adult, I've downgraded to just "Hi", but the effect of being friendly is just as powerful as it was when I was a kid.  I participated in a lot of fun as a child because I was willing to put myself out there and I think that's translated into a few adventures as an adult as well. 

So, that leads me to today.  I took Sydney to a friend's house who has a beautiful pool, and, if you were also in the Atlantic Provinces today, you will know it was incredibly hot outside.  I was so glad to be invited over.  As we were walking up the stairs to the house, I don't know what came over me, but I said to Sydney, "Ok Syd, Sarah is going to be here with her little girl, Tori, you remember Tori right?" Sydney nods.  "When you see her, you don't need to be shy, or hide your head.   I think you should be brave and just say Hi.  I bet they will smile and be happy when you say it, and I will be proud of you.  Do you think you could try it?"  Sydney and I were standing at the door at this point, and she said, "Yup, I will try." 

When we got in the house, I could see that they were out back by the pool.  Sydney and I got changed, and I made no mention of saying Hi. We went to the deck door, and opened it up and the first thing Sydney said was "Hi" with a big smile and a friendly voice.  Of course, Sarah smiled and said "Hi Sydney" and Tori, who is only 6 months old, smiled as well. I started chatting with Sarah and we headed to the pool.  Sydney didn't act strange (which she normally would do) and she had fun as soon as she got there, rather than needing time to warm up.  It was such a wonderful change.  We swam, we had fun, and, eventually, it was time to go.

We got outside and I loaded Syd into the van, and started to buckle her in.  You're going to think I'm making this part up, but I kid you not, this is what Sydney said to me, "Mommy, I said Hi and Sarah and Tori smiled." I was a bit taken aback because that had been well over an hour ago that we had that conversation.  I said, "I know honey, see what happens when you're friendly.  You made them happy, and all you had to do was say Hi."  Sydney smiled and said, "Are you proud of me mommy?"  Well, I don't think I have to tell you that I teared up a little bit.  I held her little face in my hands and said, "Mommy is so proud of you Sydney.  You make me so happy every day.  I love you."  She says, "I'm proud of you too Mommy."  I laughed because I was proud too.  For all the moments I have mommy guilt, I really appreciated a moment of mommy pride.

Yours in having a proud parent moment,

Beth