Home : Blogs : Melody Botting Real Estate Network : Mel's Diner - Serving Up The Good Stuff

Pay it forward, again. It will always come back.

I went to one of my favorite restaurants with a close friend. The service was unusually slow. When the waitress finally took our order I had sinking feeling she would get it wrong. (Sometimes you just know). I made a point to explain it clearly twice. After an unacceptable period of time a manager came to the table to tell me they didn't have what I ordered. I was disappointed because I was ‘in the mood' for something particular but I couldn't have it. Being that I had invested time already I decided to stay and deal with the change. When the order was delivered to the table it was wrong. I was getting irritated and made it a point to tell the waitress what was on my mind. She was apologetic and made things right immediately.

Then the check came. It was a lot less than what I expected so I had to do some close inspection. I saw that I wasn't charged for some of what was ordered. I called the waitress back over to the table. I showed her the mistake and she informed me she omitted some things on purpose because of the slow service and mix up. I told her I didn't have a problem paying what I actually owe and wanted her to adjust the ticket. She smiled and said, "I hope you have children and you are teaching them your principles. Most people would have paid and left." This made me feel good so I started to think maybe her service wasn't so bad after all. (I know, a sucker for compliments).

.jpg Let's fast forward to a few days later. I am at the same restaurant with a prospective new agent. (Still wanting to feed the craving). The service was good and the food was great! When the check came it was exactly what I expected. I hand my card to the waitress and she says, "You were you here a few days ago, right?" Me, "Yes, is there some sort of problem?" She said, "I heard how nice you were to the other waitress and about how you wouldn't let her under charge you."

Needless to say, the agent signed with me and will be coming on next week. Not too shabby, eh? My point of telling you this is not to toot my own horn. It is to remind you the smallest amount of kindness and sticking to your principles (regardless of your disappointment in others) will be paid back in Karma or in cash. Sometimes both!

Posted by Melody Botting Real Estate Network on 11/07/2008 02:52 AM

Comments (103)

Acts of Kindness in the Regional (Localism) Channel

melody botting, real estate the colony

Originally posted at: Mel's Diner - Serving Up The Good Stuff: Pay it forward, again. It will always come back.

This post has been included in Texas Information Collin County, TX Information Allen, TX Information
Post is included in group: Club Chaos
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
Post is included in group: 'JACKED!!!!!
Post is included in group: Square Pegs
Post is included in group: "Whacked"!!!

103 Comments on Pay it forward, again. It will always come back.

NOV

2008

That is a great story. Never underestimate the power of doing what is right.

It was the principle of the thing. My friend told me not to bring up the difference but I couldn't help myself.

So true ma'am, you will be well known in that restaurant from now on.

I hate it when I want or have a craving for a special dish and end up with having to settle for less:)

Mel ~ I think you handled it perfectly. The fact that you went back shows that you know that maybe it was just an off night for the waitress and the restaurant. I think that you showed two kindnesses here - paying what you felt was rightly owed AND revisiting this restaurant. It's funny how people remember something that you might think is so trivial.

Melody: I think it is important for us to be very aware that each of us has a hand in creating the world we live in. What you did in the restaurant that first day created something that you have already seen bear fruit... although we all know that is not why you did it. And... on top of everything... it is just really fun... doing the right thing. PS... you sleep better, too. Take care, and thanks for sharing.

Melodious, what an awesome bit of sharing! I love this. Thank you bay-bay! :-)

Don- being known for the good stuff is always better, eh?

Neal- I know it! I had my heart set but couldn't get it.

Kathy- It is a really nice place and I was surprised when I got bad service and couldn't get what was on the menu. I will be back for sure.

There you go....they say that good guy is always last, I don't believe that....good for you.

Karen- It is the things you do when no one is watching that tells who you really are. You said it very well. I agree we create our own 'worlds' so to speak.

CTS- You are so kind.

Mel...

This story does not surprise me one bit. You are a fine lady with high principles, and since that is such a rarity these days, your simple act of integrity was the topic on conversation among the staff at the restaurant!

BTW I thought that Tony was taller than that?

Hey Richard, check out Mel's new background on her blog! Is that a CA sky? There is something very familiar about that particular coloring. Mel is that from a vacation picture?

Sue- Thanks! I usually root for the underdog in most cases.

Richard- Shush, we will not tell him about my new boyfriend Woody.

CTS- Thanks for mentioning it. I took that picture from the window in the airplane on the way back from Seattle. I thought it was kinda cool and suited my blog. I hold you and Richard responsible for my new photo fetish!

Mel...

This is a public post but YOU mentioned fetish and you are wearing black leather in the photo!

Feel free to delete! lol

Richard- You are such a Goose! Public posts can be changed easily you know.

My grandmother always said "Never do anything you wouldn't want to see on the front page of the paper." Now of course I always thought this sayng was rediculous, I mean, we all go to the bathroom don't we, but no matter how rediculous I thought it was at the time, I can't stop myself from remembering it whenever I'm confronted with the proverbial "Two Roads" I'm proud to say, more often than not, I take the higher road.

Whether it makes the front page or not. Even if no one ever finds out, take the high road, you'll never regret it!

Mel...

Then I am glad that we eat turkey on Thanksgiving!

Richard Shuman- Your grandmother is right. There are always people who talk and people who are talked about. Unfortunately, I never listened to that advice so I get talked about and it may not always be flattering. My town is so small that it is easy to make it to the first page.

Richard W- I wouldn't count your feathers yet if I were you.

Mel -- Very few people on the planet would have done that. And, Id like to think that I would have gone your route. But, aside from that, AWESOME!!! Im proud of you!

That is some pretty cool stuff Mel! If you do right, it is gonna come back to you. Period.

You are so awesome Mel!!! You really do reap what you sew.

Melody: I love stories like this! How we act in every aspect of our life can affect our business. You made several good impressions and reaped the rewards. Good for you!

Good Stuff! Part of just doing what is right is knowing that you chose the right decision...come what may. And, Yes, it pays off in many different ways to make the right decision every time. I try to live my life that way. I do try to practice what I preach. Thanks for your posting. Have a great day. A clear conscience is always worth it!

Rob Becker

Thanks for the post. I always like hearing stories of people who make the right decision.

Clint- We weren't talking about a lot of money. Thanks!

Jeremy- It always seems to, eh? This one came back quickly.

Pam- Thank you! It is nice to have you around.

Mel...It shows that deep down your core ethics are soundly ingrained. My hats off to you!

Mel - what is going on with that seal (or is it a sea lion?) and where is your right hand?

Paying it forward usually works out for the best for all of us, and doing the right thing makes you feel good inside.

Everything has a way of coming back to you, either good or bad.

What a great story Mel! I love hearing things like this! So many times, people just take the easy way out. I love what you did and I woulda signed with you too! Heck, I may just move to Texas and do it anyway! :o)

Mel - Nicely done. My husband gets annoyed with me because I don't complain if there is a problem with an order. Maybe I will try complaining. Maybe.

Chris Ann- I would love to see more of these stories posted here on AR. It has the 'positive attitude' ball rolling.

Rob- It does make me feel pretty good.

Integrity Mortgage Funding- Thanks!

William- Thanks! You have a lot of that going for you as well.

Mike- Sea Lion and that is all I am saying.

JL- You are right about that.

Cristal- You are welcome anytime! I am not sure I would encourage anyone to move away from your weather, however.

Shirley- I have a problem keeping quiet. I don't 'pretend' well.

That old Karma saying "What goes around comes around" I bet comes from the Bible, "You reap what you sow". And you are sowing good stuff lady!

It always comes back to you!! My husband told me not ever to complain because he doesn't want them to do anything to his food....I called him a sissy!

Lori- Let's hope I continue to do so!

Mandi- You and I discussed previously we were both waitresses when we were younger. I would never have done anything to harm anyone so I have faith I am being treated the same. I am not mean, I am just 'to the point'.

THat is such a good story. I am a firm believer in what comes around goes around. Good for you! KM

I know I told him the same thing!! He said I put too much faith in people.....I told him that I survived growing up with my mom. She left pizza in the oven (turned off) and we'd eat off of it for days and if that didn't kill me I guess nothing will! :)

Mel, I love that you are a principled person. That's pure goodness in my book. Mel ROCKS!!

KM- Thank you! It feels nice to BE nice.

Mandi- Hey, what's a little mold between friends. (I would die).

Gary- ((((BIG GARY HUG))). (I learned this from you earlier today).

Good for you Mel. What perfect timing for the return of your honesty in front of that agent who now knows your Integrety from another persons opinion.

Cameron- I have a couple of tricks up my sleave fans when I need them.

Mel, I absolutely LOVED reading this! I have always believed you get back what you give out--this is a perfect illustration! I'm thrilled to read how kind you are are how it came right back to you :)

Great story and great example to us all!

NOV

2008

Mel: Sticking with your principles and being fair has no down side. The worst that can happen is that it isn't noticed. The best that can happen . . . well, you just experienced that. Good for you!

Regards, John

Whoo-hoo....

A well deserved God Star for a fine lady, and a lesson well learned. Doing the right thing will always pay off in the long run!

Back to those Golden Rules-common courtesy! Congrats on the feature!

Lessons we all need to be reminded of - thanks!

Acts of kindness should not be random...but regular and purposeful....you have that down pat...good job...good work...good life !

Just think what a country this would be if everyone would "Pay it Forward." I loved that movie----would like to see it again.

How we act in the moment could make a life time of impact. You are so encouraging to the human spirit! Thanks for sharing and warm greetings from Paradise.

What we put in to the lives of others is what we bring into our own. Keep your spirit of truth and doing what is just. even the smallest gestures do not go unnoticed the universe has a way of rewarding those who beautify and enhance the lives of others around them. stay true to yourself and you can never go wrong. remember to dance only to the beat of YOUR own drum. God bless you.

Wonderful lesson! I remind my children often: it's so much easier to do the right thing and doing so will make you feel better in the long run!

(And, Congrats on your new agent!)

comes around goes around, in your case it was a few days, unfortunately sometimes we have to wait much longer, but it always pays off to be fair.

Anne hensel realtor

I was really glad to see this get featured. I thought this was an excellent article!

It doesnt matter if it was alot of money or a couple cents...MOST people on the planet would have paid the bill and thought they were getting away with something. YOU took the high road. That is worth noting. Again...Im proud of you.

Morning Melody,

An enjoyable post and circumstance to read first thing in the day. I am a firm believer, what goes around comes around. Your is a case in point! Congratulations on the addition to your agency. Your values will always be rewarding to you as well as others.

Great post, it would be nice if more people were like you!

The golden rule prevails one again. You just never know who your talking to when your talking to someone because everyone knows someone right.

Carole- I love your posts so thanks for reading mine. YOU of all people understand the concept of Karma.

Terri- From what I have read on your posts I would suspect you would have done exactly the same thing.

John- Thanks! It certainly warmed my heart to get such a positive response.

real estate agents , probably as much as anyone, these days should appreciate taking the extra step to be kind, professional and respectful to others as many are treating us with less then that during these times

Richard- I had no idea it would get featured but it put a big smile on my face this morning!

Lisa- This post getting a feature shows the staff at AR is looking for some 'good news'.

Tom- I believe we all have it in us. It doesn't always get recognized right away.

Sally- Thanks for your kind words. I will be checking out your posts today. I am willing to bet there is some good stuff there!

Diane- Yes, I will have to see it again. It has been a long time and any excuse to witness Kevin Spacey is a good one!

Greg- Thanks. I have spent some time in paradise and will go back soon!

Benita- Thanks for your input. Truer words could not be spoken. 10 thousand blessings to you as well.

Debbie- Doing the right thing always makes you feel good. Not in a self serving way. It was fortunate for me that I got a new agent. Her first impression of me is so good it will encourage me to keep it going.

Anne- You are right! Who knows how much benefit we really get? Or when? I am certain it will come.

That is awesome, and people really do remember the nice gestures in all situations.

Melody ~ I can't say that I would have done the same thing, but you are correct that it often comes back. I hesitate to use the word always because there are few things that are truly for certain. Nevertheless, I am sure that you felt really good in this instance and overall that is a great way to live your life. Cheers to you :)

Jeremy- Thanks!

Clint- You certainly know all about taking the high road.

Hal- My new office is off to a great start.

Jon- That is so nice of you say!

Charles- You are right. You just never know.

James- I think that is why this post may have been featured.

I am truly impressed by the number of comments your post has generated. Always do what's right..its cumulative and it comes back to you; not to mention, makes you feel really really good! Rene Brin

That is a fantastic lesson, thanks for sharing. I've always thought that sometimes when you get bad service it could be due to some unforseen problems the person is experiencing and a good tip could be just the thing to make their day. Not every situation fits into that category, but sometimes. Overall, you're right, you've just got to pay it forward!

Mel~ You are a fine example of a great person with ethics and the understanding that not all things go our way all the time, but that when we are more understanding, those around us appreciate us even more. You are right, paying it forward is well worth it. Enjoy your weekend...are you not making it to FL for NAR?

Hi Melody - What a great story...and I love happy endings. Bet you'll never have bad service in that restaurant again or wouldn't care if you did. Once a connection like that is established it seems to feed off itself. Gotta love Win/Win!

People forget that you need to always behave as if the world is WATCHING. We have no control of the rest of life. Just what we do. Good job.

Thank you! It's always best to treat everyone we meet with kindness. It's hard sometimes because we're human but I think it shows that we can and should be thoughtful regardless of the service, etc. I appreciate your post!

What an excellent lesson and its wonderful to hear people can stick to principles.

Mel - Since I already know you, I'm not surprised to hear this story at all. You're a nice person, and it pays off!

Absolutely a great lesson, thanks!

RE/MAX EXCEL

83 E 1400 N

Logan, UT 84341

www.excelhomesutah.com

Mel - that is a great story. This reminds me of something that happened to me about a month ago. My family and I were shopping at the Mall of American here in the Twin Cities and it was on a Saturday. We sat down to eat and it was in a very noisy area, so we moved. The table that we happened to move to, there was a purse underneath that someone had left there. I mentioned this to my husband and said if someone doesn't come by to get it, then I will take it to lost in found when we were finished eating. We sat there for a good 30-40 min. and no one came by. I felt werird taking it but knew that if I lost my purse that would be horrible! SO I wrote on the back of one of my business cards where I found it and to pass my card on to anyone she may know looking for a home. The owner of the purse phoned me a couple hours later and left a message stating that I was her guardian angel. She was from Arizona and she had her credit cards, license and phone in the purse. She wouldn't know how she would of got back on the plan without her ID. She was very thankful and said if her friends in the cities were ever looking to buy or sell a home - she would give them my card. It made me feel great! That was a phone call that I needed after a long week!

Haven't gotten any business from it, but feel good about my decision!

Mel- what a great story. This is exactly the kind of person our parents taught us to be isn't it? I hope you have kids too. If more people behaved with your ethics this world would be a better place. I know your new agent will be glad she came on board.

Good for you, doing the right thing is always in style.

Rich
Charlotte NC

Mel,

That is good stuff and we can all use a dose of the good stuff!

Doing what is right is compliment enough, so just keep being yourself!

Sean

Mel, words to live by. It is great that you made an impression. Hopefully, others remember your kind deeds down the road.

Melody - What a wonderful story and it is so true, the smallest things can ad up to the largest rewards and I do believe in Karma. I will be blogging a wonderful post on my rewards that have been given for my kindness, in the future.

By the way is that a wood seal kissing you, cute pic?

Robert Swetz

congratulations on the feature! Great job Mel! KM

I wish I could say I would have let the lack of service slide like you, but it seems you won their heart and respect, so something went right. Good job on the recruit by the way

I love it when they take something off the bill.... because I way overtip and give the deserving person my money!!

Congrats on the good karma!!

Hey Melody---awesome story! The second visit is like a cherry on top of a great moral to the story. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Harley

I have had similar experiences with being honest.

My heroes in this world are men and women of great character, those who do the right thing, especially when no one is looking. They know that they have to look in the mirror every day and have to answer to themselves. A man or woman of great character has a hard time looking themselves in the eye when they step out of character, and no one knows it more than they do.

Thanks for this blog! Blogging really is a great way to meet other people, in ways that we may not have been able to do before! Some people just love to meet, or even get to see their favorite celebrity from a short distance away. Not me, I'm not into that kind of stuff. I prefer to meet people like you, who have a sense of right and wrong and always does what is right. You go girl!

That's a great story. I'm a firm believer that karma is always in the works.

Mel....

Almost there! It will take just a little bit of effort!

What goes around comes around. Sometimes it does not take very long either.

Good job, Mel! I look forward to meeting your new agent.

Congrats on the feature! Whew-Hew!

Melody - Great story, just goes to show that good things always happen to people of integrity :)

So, so true... I do believe in karma:)

Melody.. this is a great post.. Just think... you could possibly get a referral down the line from this.

Melody,

Thank you for your post. This is a really "feel good" story and sometimea that's exactly what we need. What is so sad is that morals like yours are not the norm any more. Why is it that saving a couple of dollars is more important than being honest?

Hey Melody ... great story and thanks for sharing! pippa

NOV

2008

Melody - that is a beautiful story - shows the importance of patience, understanding and even forgivness. Karma goes a long way. I always believe that if you put good stuff out there, a log of good comes back ! Conversely, it can go the other way as well which is why I do not enjoy hanging out with peopel full of negativity !

NOV

2008

Melody, this does not surprise me at all. You are a very generous, conscientious person. I am very proud of you!

Wow what a story! A bad situation turned into a good situation because of the way you chose to handle it. Way to go!!

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?