We can’t let cynicism and negativity impact new experiences. I recently visited Paris and Provence with my family. Several people warned us that we better be prepared for rudeness. Others told us that we needed to learn several key phrases in French and start all conversations in a positive way.
Let me ask you a question. When is the last time that you were “warned” about a new colleague or boss? People may have been cynical and you prejudged the new person before you even met him or her.
Now for the rest of my story – We had such a positive experience in France! We attempted to speak their language when we were lost or had questions about food or prices. We started our conversation in a positive way. The response was almost always the same. We all laughed and used a lot of grunts and hand gestures. People wanted to help us.
I feel that we all need to think about our own communication and ask ourselves an important question. Are we being open or closed when we meet new people – especially after we were “warned” about them before we even met them?
The response is up to you and how you approach any new situation. I choose to make up my own mind about others and do my best to look for possibilities instead of starting off negative and sticking to an old bias.
Please let me know what experience you have had when you meet new people after others were cynical about them? Did you tell the cynic how you felt? I’m here to listen to my loyal readers!
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