Maybe I changed someones life so drastically just by saying "thank you". My brain tries to calculate these unlimited possibilities and then systematically shuts down.
Today while I was eating lunch my waitress was polite but not too polite or even that great at her job but I still felt like a genuine smile and thank you would maybe make her day just a little better, but then I remember an earlier time, so I choked on it and it came out all weird and no at all as I intended.
Abby and I were going through a drive thru late one night. We ordered our fried death and pulled slowly to the "first window" as we were directed. A young girl popped her head out and told me the total. I handed her my card and she did whatever you do with cards once they breach the magical drive thru window and she handed it back to me. I handed it to Abby and turned my head to the girl and locked eyes. I mustered up the most sincere "thank you" I have ever used and gave it to.
She gave me a weak and uncertain "you're welcome" and Abby started to giggle uncontrollably. I was shocked that she was laughing at what I had done. I didn't really understand. After Abby contained herself she informed me that she was laughing at how sincere I had been and how it had made the girl so uncomfortable, like I had been being sarcastic. I was shocked. I was honestly trying to be nice and thankful for this person working and helping me get my fried death. After that I tried hard to not do it again but still when you give a complete stranger a token of your gratitude they should in turn give it back. I guess the lost art of being nice is gone forever and replaced by fake smiles and underlying conceit.
I will continue to say "thank you" and smile sincerely.