Think Before You Speak

How often our parents told us this. That we should be careful about words we use and what we should say.  Rightly so. It really matters what we speak but it also matters where we speak.

The other day I went to see my doctor as I had high fever. The moment I wet to the receptionist, she asked hi, how are you? I took a moment and said “excellent”!!! She, of course, missed the sarcasm. Now give me a break…. Anybody who goes to a doctor cannot be fine. They are sick and that is why they have come to the clinic. Now you can say that the receptionist is just being polite and well mannered and what is the harm if she asks this question.

Nothing except that instead of asking how are you, she can say what can I do for you. Her job, after all is to get you to the doctor. She is not there to socialize with patients.

It is the matter of where we speak what. How can I help you is more appropriate in this case. That is what I think. Similarly, One goes to a bank and faces the same question from the front desk. ‘How are ya’ has become a standard greeting in North America and nobody seems to find it inappropriate in certain situations. Social situations are different and this phrase is well accepted there.

Call me old fashioned but I think to be sensitive to situations and others’ needs is basic good manners.

Do you agree?

Think about it !!!!