I can understand and respect, but will never see myself doing it for a very simple reason: I don't want to miss any tiny opportunity to build a random and genuine bond with pure strangers anywhere I go! I had so many of them during the pandemic and it was heartwarming for both sides!

Also, whenever I am outside, I love to observe people, not only because I am a human behavior analysis huge fan, but because I might be able to give some support to a person in need when I'm not self-absorbed! This was one of the stories that will stay with me forever:

I was in the deli section admiring the service quality of the responsible person with a smile. I was waiting for my turn while another customer asked for information. He was looking for sausage.

I need to provide you with some context here: in Tunisia, we don’t produce sausage. We have a similar product we call “Merguez”. When it exists, it’s seldom local.

The client was a tourist. So, the employee looked confused since he didn’t even know the word. I saw it and quickly translated it. I felt he was relieved but still embarrassed. So, I added, “Oh you don’t have to know it at all, you know! It’s not part of our locally produced food! He’s a tourist, and we forgot to tell you about it; it’s not your fault!”

And I continued talking to him about it so that he could form a better idea. His questions and comments were showing how much he was actively listening! I was impressed with his internal security. I can be so bothered by passive listeners!

When I was about to go, he told me, “I wish all customers were like you”, to which I answered, “No; I was the honored one!”