True story: Over twenty years ago my husband and I were walking through the mall. Across the corridor, coming toward us was a family. Mum and daughter had matching dresses; Dad and son had matching shirts - all with a made-with-loving-hands-at-home look, and outdated, to boot. To me they looked as though they had stepped out of their Levittown tract home in 1950 and time travelled to the mall. Everyone was clean and well-brushed but it was apparent that money was scarce. My old china spied them also. He walked over to the father and said "Excuse me, sir, but I'd like to tell you what a fine looking family you have." Dad smiled, straightened, and puffed out his chest. Mum glowed. I was so ashamed of myself for thinking as I had. My husband saw an opportunity to be kind - he did think they were a handsome family - that I missed. Since then, I've always tried to smile, make eye contact, say something positive or friendly. It makes a difference to that person and to you.

Reen