The stranger was lean and tall and seemed remarkably fit for a man of his age. Perfect posture contributed to his more youthful appearance.
He wore a hat with an insignia that I registered as military but I can’t picture which branch. I wish now that I had thanked him for his service. He spoke with a southern drawl, the kind that makes you wish to sit on a wicker chair with lemonade and pecan pralines.
His eyes were gentle, an important quality in a man who walks around stores talking to strangers. He didn’t discriminate either. He spoke to everyone within range and would chat with anyone willing to stand still long enough.
He found me sniffing candles and inquired about something in my cart. Was it a gift and who was it for? The exchange didn’t last more than a minute but it was enough to lift my spirits. I imagine he lifted many spirits that day as he noticed people around him, offering a “how do you do” and a “Merry Christmas” to everyone in his path.
It made me wonder if this is something he does often. I think so. He was too pleased, too comfortable, too good at it for this to be something he was just trying in TJ Maxx that day. He was clearly waiting for his wife – a fact confirmed when I saw them together later.
He practiced my two rules of talking to strangers.
- Ask them about themselves.
- Don’t be a nuisance and keep them too long.
It made me wonder if he started doing this so he’s not under foot while his wife shops or if he is simply the kind of guy that chooses to stay sharp and interact with strangers rather than sit in the car and people watch.
One thing I know for sure is that the elderly man with the distinguished demeanor and easy smile is a leader among men. I feel fortunate that I got to witness how he made people feel seen in a world that is increasingly unseeing and unfriendly.
What a lovely start to the holiday season.
