Can You Spare a Smile?

     I’ve written about this topic before, but it bears repeating – at least to me. 
     
      I work live and work in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and take the Metro (subway) to and from work because DC traffic is a continuing nightmare. Most of us DC commuters have something called a SmarTrip card. It works like a credit card and you add money to it from cash, credit cards or Metro vouchers by using a kiosk designed for that purpose in each Metro station. The SmarTrip deducts the cost of the trip after you complete your Metro ride.
      
      One day recently my SmarTrip card balance was near zero so I stopped at a Metro kiosk and let a computerized voice lead me through transferring vouchers to the SmarTrip card. I had just started to transfer $30 vouchers when I heard a noise. I turned to my right to see a disheveled, unshaven, dirty man next to me, mumbling incoherently.  Even four feet away the smell of booze nearly knocked me over.
     
      Although he was almost impossible to understand, it was clear that he was asking for money to buy a Metro ticket to get to work. I doubted that he was employed but quickly gave him a $30 Metro voucher and walked toward the trains. I’d love to say I gave him such a generous gift out of goodwill and selflessness, but truth be told, the voucher was already in my hand and easier than digging through my purse for a few dollars.  I didn’t want him to thank me. I just wanted to get away, but not before hearing him shout an appreciative expletive when he saw the amount on the voucher. 
     
      As I boarded the Metro I realized that giving him a metro voucher was the easy part. Treating him with respect was the hard part. I had failed miserably. How you give counts as much as what you give and I just learned that the hard way. So, I made up an acronym to remind me how to do it better:
     
      Gratitude (allow him the opportunity to thank me)
      I (make eye contact)
      Voice (speak with him and smile)
      Esteem (treat him with the dignity he deserves)
     
       With the economy continuing to go south, I anticipate more of us will either be approached for help or need to ask someone else for help. If you’re approached, I hope you respond better than I did. If you’re asking for help, I hope you receive whatever you need with dignity and respect.
     
      Me? I hope I see that guy again. Maybe I’ll get it right next time.
     
      Get out and give back.