Lady from the Restaurant
Dear Readers,
I learned in one of my psychology courses that talking to strangers actually brings people happiness, more than they would expect. When I was studying abroad in Florence, I found a small Asian restaurant close to my villa that I loved and began to go to just about every night for dinner. I know what you might be thinking – a little ironic because I had the same sweet rice and chicken dish every night for dinner in Florence as opposed to pasta or pizza, but I enjoyed this one meal from this particular restaurant.
The same hostess was at the front counter of the restaurant every single day and she began to recognize me and learned my order. She was a middle-aged woman who had this warm, inviting smile and energy that made me gravitate towards her and feel safe and comfortable around her. I could never get over how every single day, no matter the circumstances she may have encountered that day or what was going on in her life, she always had a big smile on her face and acted kind. The more I attended this restaurant, the more we got to know each other. She began to open up to me, share aspects of her life story, and gave me life advice.
She taught me that sometimes the scariest part is the beginning; it can be scary to start something new. She told me, “Don’t be afraid. Life is short; don’t let fear hold you back.”
Her father had depression and dementia and she took care of him. I could see in her eyes and the way that she talked about him that he meant a lot to her. He told her to travel the world. He passed away during covid, which was a very difficult time for her. It inspired me to observe that she smiled with warmth every time I saw her, despite the fact that she must still hold grief in her heart to some extent.
She met her husband late in life while she was volunteering; they both like to help people. He drives people to the hospital.
She said that she fell in love with him because of his heart. While her friends were often looking for someone, she didn’t have to search for her partner. Rather, he came into her life naturally while she was helping others and living her own life.
She mentioned that that’s how life works sometimes. It just falls into place, at least for her. She found her partner without even looking; they were both caring for others, being their kind selves, and that’s when they found each other.
She also taught me that life can be unpredictable. She found love late in life and her partner is older than her, but she still would potentially have kids because she loves kids.
Just about every night in Florence, I looked forward to going to the little Asian restaurant, eating my favorite rice and chicken bowl, and talking to this kind lady at the register. I never expected that finding this random restaurant I enjoyed in Florence would lead me to make a friend and receive life advice.
You never know who you will meet. Be open to conversations and asking people questions, even if they are strangers. It is amazing how a stranger can quickly become a significant person in your life or have an impact on you. You may encounter someone who gives you this warm, inviting energy like this woman gave me that pulled me in and made me want to learn more. Sometimes we feel a special connection with someone, even if we are just meeting them. If you feel a gravitating energy towards or are curious about someone, try to get to know them. You never know people’s stories or lessons they may teach you unless you ask. You may just meet someone who changes your life or broadens your perspective.
Love,
Samantha
