I went out to have lunch this morning to meet an old friend. We made a date in a small and peaceful restaurant. We hadn’t seen each other for some time. So I was looking forward to it, and thought it would be a lovely lunch and a wonderful conversation. I dressed myself in my favorite dress and did my hair up. Everything seemed perfect.

When my old friend and I were seated, we first ordered our meal. But there seemed to be something wrong with the lady who took our order. Her expression was horrible and she said rudely, “What’s your order?” “A dish of fish and some rice”, I told her our order in a gentle voice. She took my order and gave me the same unfriendly attitude as she had given to others.

The woman’s bad attitude made me uncomfortable. Considering that I didn't want anything to destroy the happy moods that we had, I didn't say anything else.

As my friend and I were having our meal and talking about the things that happened before, my mind didn’t focus on our talking. I just noticed the lady’s behaviors to other customers. She was not in a good mood and she got into a fight with a customer but I didn’t know why.

When it came to my turn to approach her, I thought to myself, “What can I do here to make her mood changed and make her smile?” And I didn’t want her attitude to spoil the whole warm atmosphere in this small peaceful restaurant.

Surely there must be something I could sincerely compliment (赞扬) her on. Then there it was and I knew instantly. I said to her, “Madam, I don’t know what made you so unhappy, but I know that you must have the most incredibly well spoken and clear voice. It is so good. Like incredibly good.” That was what I could compliment her on.

When she heard what I had said, her whole face lit up.

I went back to my seat and I noticed the lady’s whole attitude changed.