Feb 7, 2008 | 2:47 PM
Category:
Entertainment
We've all heard the expression in one form or another....The Golden Rule, "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You", Good Karma/Bad Karma, "You scratch my back I'll scratch yours", You reap what you sow--it's all the same thing. Basically it all comes down to being nice, which we should all do because it's the right thing, but truthfully, there are serious benefits to treating people well.....Here are some vivid illustrations:
My sister, who is very good to her hairdresser, had a recent hair emergency during which all the years of nice tips and promptness paid off. She and her husband were dressing for a Valentine Masquerade Party--couples costumes required. They were going as the King and Queen of the Prom, circa 1985. Sis procured a mullet wig for husband, who was reluctant to put it on. To appease husband, she agreed to cut some of the bulk off the back of the wig. For reasons inexplicable, she deemed it expedient to don the wig while trimming, and accidentally cut off her ponytail. Yes, she actually cut off her ponytail! As she stood screaming, holding the scrunchie filled with 6 inches of expensively highlighted tresses, she grabbed for the phone. Despite the fact that it was closing time on a busy Friday, her stylist agreed to fit her in, and 80's costume aside, gave her a cute little Victoria Beckam bob, short in the back, long in the front (which was really the only option under the circs) and off she went to the party, looking more Flock of Seagulls than Cyndi Lauper, but the evening was salvaged (not to mention her appearance). All because Sis books appointments in advance, keeps them, and tips generously.
The flipside of the hairdresser tale: my neighbor Bea had her hair done the day of a charity ball. She was so dissatisfied with the do (which, frankly, looked perfectly lovely) that she badmouthed the stylist to everyone in town, claimed that she had to cancel the evening because of her hair, and spent the next month complaining about it. Of course, it got back to the stylist, and he got his revenge in two ways. Every time Bea called for an appointment, he and all of his coworkers were busy (her harping did the salon no good, so they all stood together). The hairdresser later took up a sideline business as a garden designer and when she called to engage his services for planting one window box he gave her an estimate of $1500!
Another one....
My friend Grace takes very good care of her children's teachers--brings them coffee and sweets, occasionally buys them lunch, gives them lovely holiday gifts, and generally treats them quite well. Her notion (which I happen to agree with) is that they are doing the most important job in the world--taking care of her children. She is profoundly grateful for that and expresses her thanks in tangible (and edible) ways, which is very, very nice. The cynical pragmatist might also add--whose kid do you think will be rescued from the burning building first--the one whose mom brings the teachers food, drink and gifts, or the one whose mom kvetches about the reading list and makes snide comments about how nice it must be to finish work at 3pm?
One day, Grace's son left his homework at school. The teacher noticed his folder on the desk as she prepared to leave for the day and called Grace--then offered to drop the folder off at the house. I am guessing this is far out of the union contract requirements. (Grace's son was less than overjoyed, but that's hardly the point.)
Restaurants are the capital of this phenomenon--make friends with the maitre'd and you'll always get the choice table on Saturday night. Tip your waiter well and he'll be sure to grab the last tuna tartare special for you when they run low next time. Be a regular, positive, supportive patron and lo and behold, you have the antipasto platter or dessert comped from time to time.
But remember, sincerity is key. Don't just be nice so you get the free souffle--just be nice. Trust me, they know the difference.
