#54: Do something nice for someone you don’t like.

Date Completed: 11/24/2010

I'm not sure how this item even found its way onto THE LIST, but in hindsight, I do actually like it because it was not an easy one for me. First, there are very few people whom I do not like. In fact, even people whom I don't enjoy spending time with for various reasons (e.g., don't share common values, etc.) aren't people I'd go so far as to say I do not like. I don't have negative feelings toward those individuals - I'm simply indifferent. So this was actually a bit of a struggle for me. However, once I identified the individual, the challenge was actually completing the task while being genuine. I mean, it really wouldn't be list-like to cross off an item just because it was on THE LIST - everything needs to be for the right reason, even if there's a list involved. So...I'll be honest...I'm not a fan of one of the security guards at my office. He's probably a good person, but he always seems grumpy and when I used to say good morning to him on occasion, he never acknowledged me. And to reiterate, it's not that I dislike him - I simply do not like him. There, I said it. Believing that most people are inherently good to some degree, this was a good opportunity to reach outside my comfort zone with this individual. So, as I was leaving my office on the evening before Thanksgiving, I made eye contact, smiled, and told him that I hoped he had a nice holiday and to be safe on the icy roads. He thanked me and returned the greeting. So while this was a very small exchange, sometimes little things make a difference. It's easy to be nice to people you care about or even for strangers. If you want a challenge though, try this one. It's not as simple as it seems.