As we age, life becomes increasingly challenging, and amid our personal struggles, we often neglect to show kindness to those around us. Pause for a moment and ponder: when was the most recent occasion you utilised the expressions ‘please’ and ‘thank you’? If recollection proves elusive, you’re undoubtedly in good company.
An employee at CUPS Coffee and Tea, a barista, noticed the declining use of these courteous words among patrons, fueling frustration that led to the placement of a sign outside the shop. The sign aimed to gently nudge customers toward more polite interactions. Observing the sign, customers quickly realised that employing these “magic words” came at no cost, and in fact, it could even save them money.
Moreover, it encouraged them to contemplate the significance of treating others with respect and compassion. The person who prepares your morning coffee wakes up early to ensure your enjoyment of it.
It is evident that we’ve grown increasingly self-centered, often failing to acknowledge the effort and sacrifice made by others. Austin, the innovative barista behind this endeavor, shared with WDBJ7, “I decided, in my quest to address some of the world’s injustices, to charge a bit more for those who neglect to extend a simple greeting and acknowledge that we’re all human beings working behind the counter.”
Austin’s sign swiftly grabbed the notice of many pedestrians and even found its path onto Facebook, where it achieved viral status within a matter of days. People were enamored by this barista’s clever approach.