Being Thoughtful Increases “Belonging”

After loading the back of the mini SUV with our four suitcases and two briefcases, I opened my car door and sat down next to Sheila. Linda joined us in the back seat. Sheila pointed and stated, “Kathy, you’ll love that seat.”I probably responded with a quizzical look because I couldn’t imagine what the big deal was. The seat looked like many others. It was instantly comfortable and offered plenty of leg room. The angle was comfortable for my back.

Sheila told me to push the first button on the right side of my seat. Curious, and knowing she was sure I’d be pleased, I pushed it.

Now I understood! A piece of the seat under my legs extended toward my knees. Those of you who are shorter probably can’t imagine the help this is, but it was great. Because my legs are long, most seats aren’t long/deep enough and they can be uncomfortable. That wasn’t the case with this seat.

The manufacturer thought of something to make this vehicle more attractive than another. It worked for this family. Sheila’s husband was about 6’6” and chose this make over others because of this one additional feature. It helped him fit.

Accommodations that enhance belonging are rare. They’re valuable. We want to fit in. We want to fit. Knowing we’ve been thought of helps.

What can we do today and tomorrow to show people we’ve thought of them? Can we add something? Take something away? Call them by name more often? Greet them with a smile and welcoming eye contact? Choose to not be busy at the beginning of class or when children come home from school, but to be available instead? Serve someone’s favorite dessert even though it takes a bit more effort? Ask them….