What I learned from a Boston Dunkin Donuts and Burger King…
Last night found me helping one of my best friends Hien last night in Boston.
His reputable and amazing flooring company, Boston Premier Flooring, has been hired to face lift the floors of the popular child clothing chain, The Children’s Place. The first location revamped is the Downtown Crossing establishment.
As I arrived, after training my 6 and 6:30pm semi-private time slots – Tara, Melissa, Linda and Kate – Hien asked if I stop by Dunkin Donuts in Boston at the Boston Common to pick up coffee for the everyone working.
Well, enjoying my 6 minute walk to the Dunkin Donuts carrying my water and backpack through the beautifully warmed city, I came across people who were actually happy. A couple people even said “excuse me” to me in passing.
Then, when I went to Dunkin Donuts, the girl behind the counter actually gave me a Box O’Joe, large pumpkin spice coffee and donuts for free. And it was fresh brewed coffee, just for my order.
I tried to pay. Twice. She simply said “Merry Christmas.” It’s October??
When I asked for cream and sugar she did tell me hadn’t any left so I went next door on the Common to Burger King. Two people held doors open for me, as I approached the entrance: a woman at the first and a man at the second double doors.
Of course I took the door from the woman, letting her walk out instead, and the gentleman I actually accepted after offering him the same courtesy in return.
Once in Burger King I walked up to the counter and asked if they had any sugar packets since Dunkin’s ran out. The Burger King manager on duty said no problem and gave me lots. Then he asked if I wanted a carrying tray for my beverages. Of course I said yes… efficiency.
Then he asked if I needed anything else, napkins, spoons, stirrers, etc…
I said no thank you. I felt bad like I should order something, but it was Burger King and I really wasn’t in the mood for anything. I eat Burger King maybe once or twice a year… not a fan of that type of fast food.
But I was amazed at the streak I just embarked within 15 minutes… IN BOSTON??
Then as I was walking back to The Children’s Place at Downtown Crossing, a gentleman asked a Boston Police Officer for the time, the Officer had no watch unfortunately. About 24 feet behind the man walking down the street I spoke out “9:03”.
He turned and said thank you, waited for me, then walked alongside me as if we were in hallway break in high school, going to the same floor together. We just carried a conversation about watches and security… it was refreshingly funny.
What an experience.
Not that Boston is a mean city, but come on. All the years I’ve been going in and out of it I usually bump into a number of negative people or at least see or hear some drama. But all along the streets I walked people were laughing shouting at each other as they parted ways, being overly friendly, and even giving things away with no expectation whatsoever.
It was a comforting reminder of my own lifestyle.
Of how I treat, and am treated by the training family at Robert Belley Fitness studio.
Putting others first, with the trust they’ll hold you in equal fashion and regard.
It was welcoming.
So be nice, hold doors for one another, give someone something with no expectation involved,
and live the dream,
Rob