The power of hospitality shines through
OPINION: It starts with a simple ‘‘hello, how is your day going’’, sometimes even less, just the simple act of smiling and making eye contact. Then boom, out of nowhere the customer unloads. For us, there is a sense of normality in this ritual.
In the time it takes to brew a coffee, pour a pint, make their drink, the customer has started unloading some of their most private details, lifting the weight that has been on their shoulders.
It’s funny how some people can so easily, be open to discussing their most troubled thoughts. But I like to think that’s the power of hospitality.
They then happily leave your company as if it is completely natural to unload to a perfect stranger, or if you’re lucky a new found friend and confidant. They take a seat and for a short time they seem to relax and forget about their problems. The world is normal again.
Is this because in various hospitality venues you can just be yourself. Hospitality staff seem to be masters of putting a smile on their faces, cracking a simple joke and putting you right at at ease.
Half the time I’m sure they are squirming inside or thinking hurry up with the conversation I have tables and meals waiting, but you always get 100%.
Maybe it’s the fact that people have been enjoying bars and hospitality outlets for centuries and just feel comfortable in the transient nature of it. Maybe its so imbedded in our subconscious nature that it’s just ‘‘normal’’.
As Victoria Alexander said, ‘‘A good meal is the most trusted currency in the world’’ that is why hospitality is an integral part of our culture. A way for us to push aside (even for a short time) some of the issues happening around us and sit there with our new single service friend and laugh.
So maybe we need to thank everyone in hospitality, the Chefs, Kitchen Hands, Front of House and even the cranky managers that have usually worked a 60-hour week, always sleep deprived, sometimes
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hungover. The unregistered psychologist of the consumer driven world for helping us cherish five minutes of peace.
So next time you pay for latte or get a pint poured, thank them for helping unburden someone today.