I grew up in an era when customer service was over and beyond what it is today.  When I called someone on the phone, a person answered instead of an automated voice.  I did not have to select the appropriate department on my telephone keypad.  I am not placed on hold.  There were no answering machines or voicemails in my early days.

Of course, the phones we have today are handy for communicating meeting dates and times, directions, and personal information. I can keep in touch with my friends and relatives easily via calls, texts, or fb messaging. Although texts or fb messaging have brought about an increase in communication, phone calls are far more personal and better for our psyche.  Of course, negative conversations do not help our mental health.  Another positive change is I no longer have to pay long distance charges and can pay one bill to my phone carrier.  However, I get way too many spam calls and have to pay a service an annual fee to not hear the ring tone. 

At the grocery store, there was an attendant who brought your groceries to the car in sacks or in boxes.  Items on the shelf were always marked.  When you were shopping for clothing, someone would greet me and assist in finding clothes.  If I wanted to try them on, she would carry them back to the dressing room.  Then she would check on me regularly and get the right size if needed. At the hardware or electronics store, clerks would practically scramble to greet you and escort you to the item you are searching for.  They would stick with you until you didn’t need them to answer any questions.  They would take your item to the register.

Now there are self-serve checkouts.  Sometimes I use them when I have a few groceries.  But I still prefer to go to a cashier when I have a full cart.  Self-serve is another example of less interaction with people.  As a society, we are moving toward that choice being a preference.  We don’t want to interact as much as we did years before.  We think we can do things much faster, but we end up missing out on talking with people.  I make a point of talking with the cashier, although finding a friendly cashier is rare.  The ones that are friendly are like a breath of fresh air.    

Time at the gas station was a chance to chit-chat as the attendant filled our tank and washed our windshields.  He then checked our oil.  My Dad would make a point of getting out of the car to talk and make a friend. 

There weren’t any drive-thru restaurants or banks with ATMs.  There were no kiosks to order your food in the restaurant.  Ordering online was not available.  I would go to the bank and talk with the teller or the restaurant and be waited on.    

Neighbors knew each other better and our children played together.  Kids were not stuck inside on their phones or IPads. 

People using social media post comments with an electronic device instead of in person.  It’s not the same because there’s no physical connection and does not contribute to one’s mental health.  You cannot pick up on verbal cues with social media or texting on the phone.  Online communication can be easily misunderstood.  One is more likely to share personal information online than in person, which can have negative consequences.  Information is given to a wider audience, many whom you don’t know well.  The information shared is either viewed positively or negatively.  Negative gossip may be shared online, which can be hurtful to the victim.  People can respond with destructive comments rather than positive ones. 

There are benefits of online social media and text/messaging, bringing together connections from the past, like old classmates or work friends.  It is good for receiving support when experiencing difficult times.  Friends can share important events of their lives.  People want to share the good things that have happened during their day.  Then there are hackers who try to take on your profile to create havoc.  These people need to get a life.

I knew someone that would always pay their bills in person.  He would go to his bank, utility and insurance company, gas station and grocery store and walk right in.  Of course, he was in politics, which explains that.  But he always had a smile on his face and was happy for the most part.

We need to ask ourselves what we are doing as a society to combat the negative effects of less personal interaction in our high-tech devices and customer service?  Our mental well-being has been jeopardized.  Mental illness has become widespread like an epidemic.  We can counteract this trend by intentionally being the light in this dark world.  Be sure to speak to salespeople on the phone in a friendly tone.  They are trying to earn money for themselves or their families.  Treat everyone with respect no matter their behavior or manner.  Resist the urge to payback negative behavior.  Give everyone the benefit of the doubt.  Treat others as you would treat yourself.  Do not succumb to road rage, which is probably due to less positive interaction with others and a culture which applauds hostility from political leaders and movies and tv shows.  Although hate has been prevalent in our culture since Cain killed Abel as written in the Bible, it seems more acceptable to display it.    

Push yourself to be more social, whether it be a hobby or other interest.  Get involved with volunteer work.  Think of ways to serve, rather than being served.  Even going to the gym is helpful because other people are there.  Go into the bank or restaurant rather than going to the drive-up.   Do a good deed at the store by helping people, like just smiling or helping to reach for an item.  Leave a good tip at a restaurant or with the hairdresser.  Be ever mindful of ways to interact.  Pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t talked to for a while.  Do your neighbor a favor.  Be intentional. With my being an introvert and working remotely I make a special point of keeping in touch with people on the phone and getting out to interact at businesses or church groups.

Many of these actions are based on Christian values and Bible verses. Some you may have heard.  God speaks to us through the Bible and Jesus’ life.  These are the verses that come to mind:

Matthew 7:12 “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  ESV

This is called The Golden Rule which Jesus gave in his Sermon on the Mount.

Leviticus 19:18 sums up the entire Old Testament, “Do not seek revenge or bear a drudge against anyone among your people but love your neighbor as Yourself.  I am the LORD.” ESV

Corinthians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” NIV

Matthew 5:16 “… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” NIV

Mark 10:44 “… whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” NIV

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 

Prayer:  Dear Lord, help me to be intentional about interacting with others as technology has been a poor substitute for customer service.  Give me the incentive to talk with people face to face instead of using the drive up.  Bring to mind any good deed or kind word I can give today. Teach me to be nice to solicitors and service representatives on the phone, who are only doing their job.  Make me more generous with tipping.  Let me be more concerned about serving than to be served.  And most of all, draw me closer to you so I can learn your ways.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Published by barbaraziogasgmailcom

My quest is to be a free-lance writer. This has been my dream for many years, and now I believe it is the right time. God’s timing is perfect. I would like to write about social issues pertaining to poverty, domestic violence, the criminal justice system, religious education and other human interest topics. My past work experience included grant writing, writing issue papers, newsletters, creating flyers, brochures, news releases, and public service announcements. My business experience gave me skills in writing business plans, consignment contracts, newspaper articles, content for social media marketing and ads in a weekly paper. My purpose is to serve God and glorify Him through my work. View all posts by barbaraziogasgmailcom