The Friendly Hungarian
“Friendship is a relationship. Friendliness is a state of your being. You are simply friendly; to whom, that is not the point.” – Rajneesh
It’s Friday morning, and I am a quick trip to Los Angeles. The Marriott location where I am staying in the north part of the city has a convenient M Club for those of us who find ourselves away from home more often than we wish.
I had just completed my workout, changed clothes quickly, and I made my way down to the club so that I could get some coffee and a quick breakfast before hitting the shower.
Although there were about 20 people there, it was a quiet place, with everyone keeping to themselves as the TV aired a barely audible news station.
Things were about to change!
The Friendly Hungarian
As I began to serve myself the scrambled eggs, an elderly (late 60s) gentleman who was also in the breakfast bar area, said to me in an energetic and welcoming voice …
“How are you doing today?”
I was almost lost for the words because it was so quiet in the club.
“I’m doing pretty good. How about yourself?”
He said, “I’m still alive!”
He had a notable accent, so asked him … “You are European, right?”
He responded, “Yes, my friend! I am from Budapest.”
I let him know that my wife had visited Budapest about a decade ago, and we were super-impressed with the architecture, good, people, and the beautiful Danube River that flows through the city.
You can see how happy he was that I was appreciate of his beautiful city, and we went on to have a short conversation about nearby countries.
The Ambience Changed
After he and I finished our conversation, he went on to chat with other people in the lounge. Before you know it, his energy had completely changed the room.
Interestingly, after he broke the ice with me, it seemed like it was okay for others to initiate a chat with complete strangers who before were minding only to the coffee and breakfast items.
Kickstart the Energy
These experiences remind me that I can make a big difference by showing a little boldness and initiating a friendly conversation with others. I don’t have to just keep to myself.
For example, when in a quiet and tense classroom, I can approach a student and find out a little more about them. Before long, I am pretty sure the whole class will get involved.
The point here is that we experience the beauty of life when we take the time to learn more about the people. In reality, our work and studies are only things that we do.
It’s far better to learn more about the person and what makes them special.
Saying Goodbye
I could not leave this club without saying goodbye to my new Hungarian friend. I approached the table where he and his wife were seated, and I said …
“It was so great meeting you, and I hope my wife and I can visit Budapest soon. For now, I will be making my way back to Texas later today.”
He explained … “Texas! One of my favorite countries!”
As a proud Texan, I like this guy even more after he acknowledges that Texas is indeed a Republic!”
See you next week, my friends!
Inspiring Quotes
“Winning friends begins with friendliness.” – Dale Carnegie
“I think people hear the warmth in my voice and the friendliness, and they think: 'Oh, she must be a very nice person’” – Natalie Cole
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How will you show friendliness?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.