There's something about her face....
Well...MY face that is. I don't know what it is that people see, but I seem to be the chosen one when it comes to helping lost sheep...er...people. It happened today in Hong Kong, my new home. I had just gotten a hair cut, and was still reveling in the head massage that comes as part of the process, and was heading down the Mid-levels escalators. Let me amend that...it was the part of the day where the escalators go UP - so I was walking down the stairs beside the escalators. I was just about to get to the end of my run, when I caught the eye of a nice Caucasian man - who made eye contact, made a quick decision, and then approached me.
Maybe it IS me - because, of course, I like to look at people!
Anyway, he asked for directions in a very Aussie accent, and, miracle of miracles, I actually knew where he wanted to go. I've only lived in this city for 3 months, and I've been on business trips a good half of that time, but I *did* know his destination.
In my prior home, New York City, I was also stopped all the time. Perhaps my mostly silver hair and blue eyes make me look benign. I usually do have a gentle expression on my face, but I bustle like a New Yorker, I fear. Outta my way - coming through!
I used to love to give directions in New York. I loved proving that New Yorkers were NOT always rude, and that they COULD be understood (I'm originally from Alabama - and while I don't sound Southern, I sure as HECK don't sound like a New Yorker). Since I've lived in Japan, I also seem to attract the Japanese tourists, too. They are always BLOWN AWAY when I reply to them in Japanese - even broken Japanese!
So what is it about her face?
Maybe it IS me - because, of course, I like to look at people!
Anyway, he asked for directions in a very Aussie accent, and, miracle of miracles, I actually knew where he wanted to go. I've only lived in this city for 3 months, and I've been on business trips a good half of that time, but I *did* know his destination.
In my prior home, New York City, I was also stopped all the time. Perhaps my mostly silver hair and blue eyes make me look benign. I usually do have a gentle expression on my face, but I bustle like a New Yorker, I fear. Outta my way - coming through!
I used to love to give directions in New York. I loved proving that New Yorkers were NOT always rude, and that they COULD be understood (I'm originally from Alabama - and while I don't sound Southern, I sure as HECK don't sound like a New Yorker). Since I've lived in Japan, I also seem to attract the Japanese tourists, too. They are always BLOWN AWAY when I reply to them in Japanese - even broken Japanese!
So what is it about her face?
posted by Susan in HK at 3:05 AM
1 Comments:
It's totally the eye contact. As a Texan, I tend to do that a lot - smile with my whole face, not just my mouth, and make eye contact. To people needing help or direction it's a clear indicator that we're approachable, not closed off. Keep it up. I look for others like us wherever I go. :)
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