I was in the store to get a some bourbon; I left the store with my merchandise and a smile. The clerk at the register had succeeded.

My dad used to engage in friendly small talk with cashiers and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, so when I came to the counter with my purchase, I had a response for the clerk’s practiced question:  “How are you today?”  I replied, “Life is grand…how are YOU?”  She smiled and shared that she was doing great, though the job at the liquor store was not a permanent assignment. I could have left it there, but everyone has a story and I’m a story-listener (while respecting whether there was a line of people behind me waiting to check out). Sometimes the best way to encourage conversation is to hush and leave the door propped open with a smile. She stepped right in.

“I try to make sure everyone is happier when they leave than when they came in,” she said.  After again explaining that her current role was temporary, she said “I am an opera singer.”

I inquired if she is attending the local university – she is – and whether she was majoring in music – she is.  She was obviously proud to reveal her plans and likely happy to not be lectured on how she should major in business, law or engineering.

“That’s AWEsome,” I said and extended my fist to “knuckle up.” She happily responded and her smile grew.  “Never surrender,” I said to affirm her path, “never surrender.”  She nodded in agreement and said, “Yes, sir.”

I believe we were both genuinely happier than we had been one minute before.  Minutes and moments matter, and there is much good that can come of them.