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Special by Citizen | December 14, 2021

In this season of giving, how does the "pay first" mentality feel?

I mean the act of doing something for someone because different people do something for you; for example, when a Starbucks drive-thru, the stranger in front of you pays for your order, prompting you to pay for the person behind you in turn .

Personally, as long as I have the ability, I will try to do this throughout the year because it is a simple gesture that can make someone happy. For people like me who live by reaction, the anonymity of this behavior is comforting—both positive and negative.

I don't want that person to feel obligated to express gratitude, but on the contrary, if he or she does not respond, I will be very angry. However, the reaction of the other party is not the focus of the action, so I would rather not see it in any way. Over the years, the "pay first" movement has taken a larger global development trajectory, not just a simple Starbucks label, but the emotion behind it is thought-no matter the size of the gesture.

This positivity goes beyond free drinks or baked goods. The behavior itself will cause a chain reaction, which may affect your behavior, personality, pleasantness and even work performance. I don't know you, but when I absorb positive energy from others, I will definitely react more positively in all aspects of life.

On the other hand, the same is true for negative energy chain reactions.

While waiting to receive my COVID booster at a popular chain pharmacy, I watched the flow of people for about 45 minutes. Upon check-in, I encountered low-energy customer service, a gentle reception at best. As I sat down and waited for the pharmacist to see it, I became more and more aware of why I experienced my character.

My waiting happened at around 8 o'clock in the evening. During my small sample observation, the staff was verbally beaten several times. Customers are not only nervous while waiting-they approach the queue with an attitude from the beginning. Not only are they disrespectful to technicians, but they are equally rude to pharmacists.

My frustration with waiting has changed from worry to sympathy. After receiving my booster, I went to the pharmacy window for the last time, and I was sure that the staff there was ready to complain again. Instead, I take this opportunity to apologize to the overworked employees for the disrespect they suffered during the short time I stayed there alone. The pharmacist said almost immediately that she understood that tensions were high during the COVID time.

"This can't be an excuse for disrespectful disrespect," I told her. The pharmacy technician cried and told me that she had already cried twice during the shift that day. Of course, I also shed tears, because I imagined being beaten continuously during my working day.

My point is: actions produce reactions. Compared with most people, I tend to be consistent with the energy of others, but even if this is not your first instinct to think before acting, try. Whether we like it or not, our attitude, whether it is positive or negative, will trigger a chain reaction.

Think of your behavior as small pebbles being thrown into the lake, creating a ripple effect.

I wish you all a happy 2022, let us pick a small move forward and watch it spread!

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