The fact is anyone who spends enough time with me finds me disagreeable. Usually, before this happens, I say or do the right thing at the right time. A kind word, a reassuring talk. Jumper cables and a beer. I make things better for at least a while. And, sure, it’s not up to me to make everything perfect. But there’s that short while when the smile is genuine, the handshake is a little more confident, and the hug lasts a few seconds longer. This is something I learned a long time ago. Genuine hope breeds genuine hope.
I read this thing that said people don’t remember the green lights. They only recall the red lights—those that block them from getting where they need to go. It’s conceivable that it’s better to see them through the green light than linger and become the red.