Re: The beauty of a simple hello

09 Nov, 2025

I read Robert's post about The beauty of a simple hello, and could not agree more.

So many people move through life in their own bubble. Focusing on their own passage. Ignoring the wider surroundings.

For me, I like to embrace life more widely. I often say a random hello to people. It can be as simple as passing someone when I am walking the dog, or a friendly greeting to someone working in a shop.

Make someone's day

When I was office based for my career, I inevitably worked on beyond home time. It brought me in contact with the office cleaning team. If you are in that situation, observe those around you. It is amazing how invisible the cleaning team are; people just don't see or acknowledge the work they are doing.

I always said hello to them. We exchanged pleasantries. Maybe a laugh. I'd lift my wastebasket off the floor and hand it to one of them. Years later when I was leaving, one of the cleaners told me she had heard I was departing. She said she was so sorry that I was leaving as she always looked forward to our little exchanges. It made her feel like she was part of a bigger team, and had some purpose within the organisation. I was touched by that.

In another anecdote, I was helping a friend at a food market -- she sold cheeses from around the country. An elderly lady walked up to the stand, didn't say anything, but looked curiously at the produce. I simply said "Good morning beautiful lady". Four simple words.

She smiled the biggest smile I had seen for a long time, and after a few moments she said to me: "No one has ever called me beautiful my whole life".

She did not buy anything; I did not care. The lady walked away as if I had given her a pot of gold.

It's simple

It costs nothing for the commotion of life to be interspersed with some pleasantries to a stranger.

I appreciate not everyone is comfortable with speaking out-loud. However, I urge you to try it. A simple "Hi" to someone you pass every day. You might get a response. Regardless, you will feel better in yourself, as you are slowly conquering your shyness. I too was that shy, silent person in my late teens and early twenties. Then I realised there is a whole world of awesome, kind people. (With a few arseholes interspersed who you quickly ignore!!).

Be Kind.

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