Do You Say Hello?
When you walk into a doctor's office waiting room, do you say 'hello' to everyone already sitting there waiting? If you are an extrovert maybe you do...or if you are a stay-at-home mom of a small child and feel like you never get to see anyone from the 'real world', then perhaps you will strike up a conversation with another mom who "looks" like you feel (well, I used to do this).
This week, we learned that when you enter the waiting area in the doctor's office (in our case it was an outdoor waiting area at one-doctor clinic)...you great everyone. [And just to clarify...we weren't ill...we had to get some certificates of health to renew our residency cards.] Anyway, as each new patient approached, they greeted everyone with a "buenas días." As we all had to take a number, there was some trading of numbers so that moms with kids could go in without a longer wait. Conversations were started. Stories were shared. It was a great window into culture.
So if you want to experiment a little and shake things up...extend a cheery greeting with everyone in the waiting room next time you walk into the doctor's office.
This week, we learned that when you enter the waiting area in the doctor's office (in our case it was an outdoor waiting area at one-doctor clinic)...you great everyone. [And just to clarify...we weren't ill...we had to get some certificates of health to renew our residency cards.] Anyway, as each new patient approached, they greeted everyone with a "buenas días." As we all had to take a number, there was some trading of numbers so that moms with kids could go in without a longer wait. Conversations were started. Stories were shared. It was a great window into culture.
So if you want to experiment a little and shake things up...extend a cheery greeting with everyone in the waiting room next time you walk into the doctor's office.
