I wasn’t on a mission and I had nothing that I wanted, but I tried to appear busy when I accidentally made eye contact with the customer service lady over a rack of clothes.
“How are you, Ma’am?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
Then it hit me…I wasn’t fine. For once I was going to admit to it and she was going to be sorry she asked.
I whirled around, looked her straight in the eye.
“Actually my day has sucked. I lied when I said I was fine. I’m going through a divorce and have just had a horrible day so far.”
(Ha! That’ll teach her for asking)
Instead she walked up to me with a warm smile.
“You too? I’m going through a divorce too and I’m having a horrible day.”
We then proceeded to talk for almost 30 minutes about our struggles. Encouraging and empathizing. Turns out we are pretty much in the same boat. We also both have a child with Asperger’s.
It ended in an exchange of phone numbers, email addresses, promise of play dates and a new friendship.
I walked away amazed at the power of honesty in feelings and the willingness of a stranger to connect. I could have left it at, “I’m fine, thanks.” but then I wouldn’t have made a new friend.
Dear Jane Doe (I don’t want to use your real name here) I gave you my website and I just wanted to acknowledge that little moment that we both decided to be real with who we are and where we are in life.
Oh and I ended up buying that little pink sundress and it looks fabulous!!!
Alycia Neighbours 
Small world, huh? Glad you two met. It helps when we have someone to share our struggles with who can relate.
You just never know. Sometimes you take a chance and find something you didn’t know you were looking for.
Your courage Alycia, is inspiring. You and Jane Doe should meet up for a martini or two 😉
I am so glad you said something and found a connection. I think the more you talk to strangers about your life, the more you will me people like Jane Doe. I tell everyone I meet about Owain’s story and Love Love Love that feeling when I find someone I can relate to.
Awesome blog! Feel free to stop by and follow me back at http://www.ageekswifeandherdog.com as well as link up with Friendly Friday Follow
Alycia! I’ve been off the radar…sort of…for a while. I am back to reading your (new) blog now! This is a great post. I’ve always wanted to be the kind of person who answers those “How are you today?” type of questions honestly – just to throw people off, but I always forget. This is way better than just throwing people off! I hope it turns into a beautiful friendship!
Alycia, I have trouble not telling the truth when I feel bad, but do not usually tell people I don’t know.
You have my email… IF you like, I would like to talk to you… if you feel the same let me know.
I struggle with the “I’m fine.” answer all the time too. So glad you were honest and met someone you could connect with.
That’s nice. It’s good to know that sometimes there is someone who is willing to listen.
I know this is off topic but I wanted to say i love your new profile picture. I am sorry it was a bad day, wishing there was more i could do. wishing there was more i could say
That seriously rocks. It has become very clear to me this week that we all need to do this more.
Being more open and honest comes easier with time. And days like this are such a gift!
I love the friendships I’ve made off the cuff….the ones that happened on a day I never expected them.
Sort of like , how I met and got to know you.
I hope that the bad days are less and less as you start putting yourself first. 😉
xo
I am so happy that I met you. We need a phone date again soon to catch up.