Two strangers were so incredibly nice and normal yesterday that I have to write about it.

Last edited Mon Nov 17, 2014, 01:30 AM - Edit history (2)

So I went out to grab a cheap new laptop and bumped into a woman who was looking at the same model. Within seconds we were talking to each other like our kids went to the same school. She even offered to give up the last box so I wouldn't have to wait for the new shipment to come in. She introduced me to her son even though we both knew that we would never see each other again. When it was time to say good-bye we wished each other good things for the future and we both meant it.

And then...it happened again. Later in the day we walked into IKEA and I headed toward the bathroom, behind this young woman who was wearing carousel tights with an over-shirt. Because I was behind her I followed her as she checked each stall, which she would reject before moving to the next. I just walked to the last one and as I entered it I asked her if they were all in bad condition. She replied thoughtfully, "It's hard to say."

After using the stall I flushed the toilet and saw what must have made her hesitate on the other toilets. IKEA's toilet paper shreds during the flushing process. Looks like a snow-globe in a toilet and you really have to flush twice to get it cleared.

So when I saw the young woman at the sink I commented, "I get it, their toilet paper shreds." To which she replied, "Just like their merchandise."

We both laughed and a conversation and repartee ensued like we were old friends. We chatted until it was time to go our separate ways.

No agendas. No judgments. Just good conversation with nice, pleasant people.