Trina Machacek: Good ‘thank you’s’

There are times when I ask for help from people. Sometime ago I started thanking people for their help in what I think is a cool way of saying, thank you.

It started when I needed help getting some bags of fertilizer out of a shopping cart and into my truck. I got them into the cart from the shelves in the store without help. But! Yes, a well fertilized “but.”

When I got the four 50-pound bags in the cart out to the truck, I was pooped and asked a guy walking by for help. He was so gracious and young and took pity on this ole woman. I know he could have lifted all four bags with one hand. Little whippersnapper.

I said as he walked by, “Hi, could you help me put these in my truck?” “Sure,” he smiled as he loaded it all in the back. Even closed the tail gate. Without hesitation I put my hand on his chest and said, “You be sure and tell your mom she raised an amazing son.”

The smile he let loose was so genuine and surprised. I have no doubt that he told his mom just what I said. Now? Now I use that same line as often as it fits the occasion. You would be surprised at the number of times the occasion arises.

A door is held open, I ask for directions to the chicken feed in the farm store. Is it because I am old — uh older? Maybe. Just maybe. Actually, I like to think I go places where good people go.

I am pretty sure there has been at least one time where the line was said to someone that no longer had a mom or had a bad relationship. Knowing that makes it all the more special to say. Imagine if you told some “kid” who needed to be reminded about the love of a mom.

Wow, can you just feel the emotional response? On the other hand, I have a friend that is a tad short, and she uses her bank-o-ole lady this way. When she is in a store and the item on her list is on the tip top shelf, she will scout the area for a person with tallness and then say, “Could I use your tall?”

Or if there is a couple, she may ask the woman, “Excuse me but could I use your husband’s tall?” She is quite aware of how women like to be noted to have a man when another does not. It is, trust me here, a real thing. Having a spouse is sometimes like a badge of honor. HAHA.

Inevitably the woman will offer up the man, like offering up her prize, all while keeping one eye on the situation. I suspect if the tables were turned, the man would also keep an eye peeled on the situation.

Life and love are as complicated as keeping the number of peas and carrots even on your plate. Saying a thank you should come automatically. That is not always the case, sadly. There is one place where I would guess the thank you’s come out on top by an 80/20% in the positive.

I have found that going into a convenience store most people will say thank you if you hold the door open for them. Some, me included will do a little skip to hurry up if someone seems to be holding the door.

I wonder if it is because I am an older lady, or if I am just that cute. Yes, I know, it’s the older-ness that holds the door open. But hey, a girl can dream right? When you hold the door for a man, that is fun too.

A guy who is used to opening a door for a woman finds it strange to see a door held for him. Some will even get the deer in the headlights look. Like they don’t know if they should grab for the handle or just float on in.

I find that scenario pretty cool actually. I might even walk a titch faster to be there first or saunter a bit so the man will almost catch up. I bet you never played door tag like that. Well please feel free to give it a try.

Speaking of doors. Picture this. You are in a public restroom and as you are sitting there the person next to you finishes and does not stop to wash their hands. ICK! That is why there is usually a trash can next to the door.

To put your paper towel in that you use to open the door-for yourself. Enjoy the human experience. EVERYWHERE you go.

Trina Machacek lives in Diamond Valley north of Eureka. Email itybytrina@yahoo.com.