Only one negative thing

I have made the executive decision...to only say one negative thing a day.  Throughout the hours, I’ll catch myself getting ready to say something negative, but it’s not quite good enough for the only bad comment of the day.  Sometimes I’ve used it early--about 8 a.m. and then I have to be positive the rest of the day!  Other times I’ll forget to say something because I didn’t find something quite bad enough.

The other afternoon, I spoke with a businesswoman who spoke quite negatively.  Although she was working in a warm, cozy office--and drank a coffee--she talked about how terrible her job is and how much she hates the weather. No matter what I said, she flipped it negative.  “Isn’t that lady darling,” I whispered, motioning to a lady who had walked in.

“If you like the 80s.”

It went on until I became almost mystified with how artfully she changed good to bad.

“Isn’t it terrible here in Idaho? Don’t you agree?” she finally asked.

“Ma’am, I only use one negative comment a day, and I’m not going to waste it on this.”

Her faced paled a little before reddening.  I really didn’t mean to offend her, but I didn’t want to waste my comment on that.

Anyway, I had to visit her office again yesterday.  She was helping someone else and didn’t see me by the door.

“I know you’re upset,” I heard her tell a customer, “but I only use one negative comment a day, and I’m not going to use it on this.”

When it was my turn, she didn’t act overly excited to see me, but I had to inwardly smile. Even when you don’t know you’re making a difference, you just might be.  Positivety wins out every time.