When I was a younger guy, I used to work with a gal from somewhere down south. Her manner of speaking soon rubbed off on those who worked around her and had me referring to women I was friendly with as "Hon" ...(short for honey). I honestly never meant it as anything more than a friendly way to reference someone I liked...(as in how are you today hon'?) I used it for several years until I ran into one young woman who told me off but good. When I immediately apologized and switched my reference to "Ma'am" she became even more offended (go figure). I remember that I sort of wondered if it was me or her who was in the wrong that day. Some time later, I greeted two women that came into the establishment where I worked asking: "Hello, how are you girls today?" One smiled and said "fine". Her friend however, went ballistic stating that she was not a "girl" and raked me over the coals for being demeaning. Luckily, she never knew about the "other" word I might have used to describe her.
In my human experience, I have never failed to be surprised at what might set a person off. I learned from these two experiences that one can never let their guard down nor allow themself to be too familiar with some people. Especially a client or customers who may regard themselves as above those who provide a service to them or for them. It seems I find this to be one of lifes sad facts. Too often people listen with their ears and not enough with their hearts.
I wish for each of you a world where those around you can listen to what you say, as opposed to listening only to how you say it.
"A Quick Note"
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