July 08, 2004

candy from strangers

I left work last night, stopping by the reception desk for a quick chat. Then pushing out through the glass doors, I noticed an open, empty elevator. Kismet! I scurried into the cab. It only took me three seconds or so to figure out why I felt out of place and why the only other person in the lobby was looking at me strangely. I stepped back out.

“I, um, guess that’s the service elevator,” I said, giggling at myself.

The man laughed, answered in the affirmative and when a passenger elevator opened moments later, wished me a good night.

“You, too.” I smiled.
“Boy, I bet you make the sun shine, don’t you?”

I was surprised at his comment and at first, didn’t know how to respond. Laughing, I pressed “1” on the panel, and as the metal doors began to slide shut, I answered,

“I dunno. Maybe sometimes I do.”

Posted by This Fish at July 8, 2004 09:26 AM
Comments

Yay! For all the stupid puerile remarks women get for walking down the street minding their own business, if we could all just get one simple pure sunshine comment, the world would be oh so much better.

Just for the record, those are the remarks that make us look twice and not turn away in disgust, guys.

Posted by: petitchou at July 8, 2004 10:10 AM

My vote would be yes.

Posted by: Michael at July 8, 2004 10:54 AM

I guess you do then!

Posted by: JustAgirl at July 8, 2004 11:26 AM

I'll never forget the late-night tolltaker on the Merritt Parkway who, on noticing my Texas license plates, smiled and said "Texas' loss, our gain," as he handed me my change. It has been 20 years, and that memory still makes me smile.

Thanks for reminding me of that, Fish.

Posted by: Kimberly at July 8, 2004 12:17 PM

I almost always feel a bit warmer after dropping in here, and not in a yucky, sweaty, skin-cancery kind of way. Does that count?

Posted by: Lex at July 8, 2004 02:00 PM

Yes, Lex dear. It does. :)

Posted by: Fish at July 8, 2004 02:05 PM

That is one I havent heard, but I like it, maybe because it sounds genuine, even if it is genuine with an agenda.

Its funny how one sentence from a stranger can change your whole days outlook and mood.

Nice blog!

Posted by: Laura at July 8, 2004 03:05 PM

That's sweet. Very sweet.

My now-husband, on our third date, said, "I think you're fantastic! I'm over the moon for you," and I have never gotten over the thrill.

Posted by: Shiz at July 8, 2004 05:32 PM

Aww...
how sweet. Thanks for sharing that - now you brought a smile to my face too! :)

Posted by: Harmony at July 8, 2004 09:52 PM

=)

I'm feeling old (or maybe just dumpy) because it has been a long time since I've received a comment like that from someone other than my husband...

@

Posted by: annette at July 9, 2004 12:07 AM

that's the nicest thing I read all week. What a nice stranger. Isn't it great when ppl are nice? Let's return the favor! I bet you sure do make the sun shine :) Kee smiling!

Posted by: reality at July 9, 2004 12:11 PM