It is often said that city folk are cold people: they don't smile, everyone wears black, and they think you're crazy if you try and talk to them. Well, yes, it is true that most of them don't smile as they're stuck in traffic or trying to dodge cars as a pedestrian. Yes, everyone wears black because it's the formal business-y thing to do. If you try and talk to them.... well, it depends on who you are and what is coming out of your mouth. In my experience, however, no matter what is coming out of my mouth (whether it be asking for directions or what time the bus comes) I've discovered that it is best to be the weird one if what is coming from your mouth is a smile or, "Good morning! How are you?"
I like people. I suppose I've always been a people person despite my fairly recently acquired shyness. I like to see other people happy too. I like being happy myself so when I see people passing me on the sidewalk or driving me somewhere on the bus who aren't happy I want them to become happy.
Back in November I was riding the CTA bus back to my dorm and the bus stopped because of clogged traffic -gee imagine that. I stood near the door as my stop was the next and I noticed the bus driver becoming irritated so I leaned over, smiled, and said, "Beautiful day isn't it?" to which he said, "Yeah, I just wish I wasn't working so I could actually enjoy it." Taking note of his increasing irritation and non-happiness, I asked, "How are you today?" Taken aback that someone said something nice, he replied with, "I'm doin' just fine. How are you?" And this kicked off a small conversation which included him asking me about school and telling me about his day on the bus. Once traffic started moving again and we arrived at my stop, I gave him a sticker *(I always have stickers) which he laughed at and placed on his vest. Then, I hopped off the bus, bid him a good day, and continued on my way (I could hear him snickering at me as the bus doors closed.) Now, I must warn you that not everyone responds so pleasantly. I have had people reply with scowls or eye rolls or even a sharp, "None of your business!" but most often the people I greet are warmed by friendliness and are more than eager to be nice back... especially if you have stickers.
Today, I went to a new church; The Moody Church on North LaSalle by the Chicago History Museum. I was warmly welcome by everyone who sat around me and was shown to the visitor/newcomers room so I could get connected. After my lovely experience, I got on the bus to return to my dorm room. As I dug my bus pass out of my pocket, I looked at the bus driver, a black man who appeared to be in his late 40's or early 50's and asked, "How are you today sir?"
He returned the smile and said, "I'm doing well. How are you, young lady?" And I answered honestly by informing him how wonderful my morning had been. I stepped out of the way for the other passengers to board because I still couldn't find my pass (don't worry, I found it after we reached the next light) and he asked me, "Did you just come from Moody?"
"Yes. And it was a great sermon this morning." I told him.
Then he reluctantly told me as if almost embarrassed to say so, "I was invited to go a few months ago but I never did."
Do I lightheartedly told him, "Well you should go. It's awesome!"
He smirked and said, "Yeah, maybe."
I raised an eyebrow, finally found my bus pass and stuck it in the scanner thingy, and inquired, "Do you do you know anyone there?" He said no.
"I could meet you there." I offered. He laughed at me as though I was kidding but then I stopped him with, "No really." He thought for a minute, honked at a taxi in front of him, then asked,
"How would I know to meet you?"
"I could wait by the front door."
He chuckled, still thinking I was joking so I told him, "Sunday school is at 8:30 and 11:30. Service is at 9:50. They have Sunday night services at 5:00 and Wednesday night prayer service at 6:45. I could meet you by the door and then we can go to service."
He wasn't laughing anymore."You would sit with me so I don't have to sit by myself in that big church?"
"Yes. I'll give you my number so you can tell me when you're coming and I'll wait for you." I sat down and wrote down my number and the service times for him. I was the last one on the bus so when we reached my stop, he stepped off the bus and escorted me to the corner light where he then thanked me and informed me that he'd love to come next Sunday.
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