Special offer

Pay It Forward - "Smile It Doesn't Cost You Anything!"

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Property, Inc.

When I was a child my Dad insisted that I practice common courtesy to others.  He usually would say things like "It doesn't cost you anything to smile at a stranger!" or "It doesn't cost you a thing to say Thank You!" or  "It doesn't cost anything to be polite!" etc. etc.

This past week on a sunny afternoon while I hurried to the Bank's door I caught the eye of an older lady headed in the same direction.  We both smiled at each other and as I approached the door I held it for her.  When we entered the Bank's vestibule she stopped and emphatically said "Thank You!" which prompted a brief but very pleasant conversation between two complete strangers.  We learned we live within a few blocks of each other and have some common interests.  I walked away thinking of my Dad's simple rules of common courtesy and how they just added a sincere smile on my face and on my new friend's face.

"Smile It Doesn't Cost You Anything!"

John R. Crosby, Realtor
Real Property, Inc.
19 Linden St.
, Marblehead, MA  01945
781-479-4177  phone & fax
John@MoveWithCrosby.com

Carol Costanzo
Montague Miller and Company - Charlottesville, VA
GRI, SFR

Hello John! It really is the little things that matter the most. Thank you for reminding me.

Nov 20, 2010 05:22 AM
Ben Warlick
Hines & Associates Realty - Weddington, NC

This is so true! It's good to know that not everyone has forgetten to treat others the way they wish to be treated.

Nov 20, 2010 05:33 AM
Ellie Penaranda
239.776.5077 Downing-Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Florida Real Estate - Waterfront & Beach Co

John:  We first thought we were moving to Florida for the weather and the beach.  But it is really for the nice people and their friendly and courteous behavior.  We were at the beach one day and this older gentleman was leaving the beach as we were entering the access point and he tipped his hat as he passed me with a smile and a greeting.  Years later and I still remember him.  I wanted to live where he lived.  Thanks.

Nov 20, 2010 05:49 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

John - Courtesy does not cost money, but it might gain you many friends and potential business. Thank you for sharing a very nice blog.

Nov 20, 2010 07:35 AM
JoAnn Moore
The Mortgage Market of Delaware - Georgetown, DE
Home Loans in Delaware

Nice story. It is very surprising how many very nice conversations start from a simple act of courtesy. It helps our day go so well when we stop for a few moments to engage in conversation with someone we didn't know before.  

Nov 20, 2010 11:41 AM
John Crosby
Real Property, Inc. - Marblehead, MA

Carol, Ben, Ellie, John & JoAnn,
Thanks so much for all of your kind and thoughtful words!  It truely is amazing how powerful something as simple as a smile can be - like in Ellie's case. 

 

Nov 20, 2010 01:28 PM
Brin Realty Associates Team At Bean Group
Bean Group | Brin Realty Associates - Amherst, NH
Amherst NH homes and Southern NH real estate

Yup John, You made her day I am sure...Paying it forward is about all the things we do that make someone else's day better...

Nov 21, 2010 03:04 AM