Please Pay Attention to ME ME ME

We are living in a society that demands recognition, validation, acknowledgement… instantly. If we do not get it we get impatient, upset, hurt. These feelings then can lead to depression, anger, apathy.

This morning at MickyD’s after I placed my order, I stepped to the side to allow the next customer access to the register. No one was in line, and the lady that took my order went to check on the hash browns at the fryer, or something… making sure things were running efficiently.

A young man, probably about 25 or so entered and approached the register. No one was there to greet him. He looked around, didn’t see anyone. He quietly cleared his throat “um hummm.” No one rushed over to greet him. No one said “I will be right with you.” I don’t think anyone noticed he was there, except me.

The lady who assisted me came into view and loudly the young man said “GOOD MORNING” and got her attention. She approached the counter and greeted him.

HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT HE WANTED TO ORDER YET… and made her wait for him to figure it out. But, he wanted that validation, wanted to know that he was seen standing there and that someone was waiting to help him.

Now this is just a small instance, but it makes you wonder about the bigger picture. We hear stories all the time where people are hit or shot because they were not acknowledged, were not respected, in a timely manner. We hear of people committing suicide because they are “invisible” to others.

It is important to feel worthy. It is important to feel needed. It is important to be seen, and heard, and understood.