“Do you mind?”
Have you heard these words spoken in irritation, in frustration, or in anger? Have you heard them used more as an exclamation than a question? Picture the stressed out commuter after a long day at work as he is being jostled on the train, and when someone inadvertently steps on his foot he snaps, “Do you mind!” Or the woman sitting in the movies as the person seated behind her repeatedly taps his foot against her chair. She lets it go for a few minutes, but each little kick sets her jaw on edge until she finally turns and huffs, “Do you mind!” The person issuing this exclamation is often wearing an expression like this one:
I, for one, prefer that “do you mind” be issued as the question that it rightfully should be. So if you don’t mind (ah, you see what I did there), please indulge me as I attempt to restore these three little words to their proper, pleasant use.
Do you mind if I compliment you on the lovely scarf you are wearing? It goes perfectly with that sweater. May I ask where you bought it?
Do you mind if I pay for your coffee this morning? I know you don’t know me, but I promise I’m not hitting on you. I don’t have an ulterior motive. It is simply a small gesture that starts my day, and hopefully yours, with a smile.
Do you mind if I call you tonight? It’s been a long time since we engaged in a marathon phone chat, and I miss hearing your voice. Yes, it is nicer than texting for a change.
Do you mind if I stop by on my way home from work? I have that book you have been dying to read. No, of course it isn’t any trouble, and it gives me an excuse to see you for a few minutes.
Do you mind if we treat one another just a bit better? If we practice more patience?
Do you mind if we exercise restraint rather than lashing out on impulse? Can we act out of kindness instead of anger?
Do you mind if we do our best to fill the world with love and understanding? Might we try to see things from perspectives other than our own?
Do you mind if I take a moment to tell you that I appreciate you? Yes, I do mean you, the you who is reading this right now. I know that you have millions of other things you could be doing right now. Do you know what it means to me that you have chosen to be here, reading my words, sharing my thoughts, and interacting with me? I do not mind telling you that it means the world to me, that all of you mean the world to me.
There now, I feel better. I hope you did not mind (sorry, I’m having trouble stopping now) the repetition. With any luck you are wearing an expression like this one:
I leave you with wishes for a happy Sunday and a wonderful week ahead. You don’t mind, do you? Cheers! Karen
All photo credits to: http://www.pixabay.com
Ahh, if only people would consider your suggested mind-set shift! They’re simply words (as is always the case), but if we change (even slightly) the tone, inflection, and intention that accompanies “Do you mind” we might just be on to a good thing. 🙂 Nice post, Karen.
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Thank you, Eric. I will do my part, and I’m sure like-minded people will join in. We could do with a kindness revolution. 🙂
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Thank you, those are beautiful thoughts to start off the week!
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Thanks for reading! 🙂
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You certainly put a huge smile on my face. Thank you.
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I’m so glad to hear that, thank you! 🙂
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Do you mind if i compliment you on another wonderful post Karen?
You have this fantastic knack of turning the negative to a positive, and a frown to a smile!
Have a lovely day.;-)
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Thank you for that lovely compliment! 🙂
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You’re welcome 🙂
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How sweet! Kind of restores some old-fashioned manners back to all of us. All I hear these days is, “Have you lost your mind?” or “I’m gonna give you a piece of my mind!” or …”Don’t mind if I do!” as they grab something from me. You’re a delight!
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Honestly, now that I’m old enough to be my mother I think I’m starting to sound like her, but we could do with a refresher course on How Not to Be Rude, Offensive People. Have a wonderful week Stephanie!
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Happy Sunday to you too! 😃
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It’s off to a great start so far, thank you! 🙂
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Do you mind if I say how wonderfully positive that post was? 😊
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I do not mind at all, thank you! 🙂
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This is really cool Karen.
I hope you do not mind if I tell you, that you are a GREAT writer.
I need to practice this, because this would be a wonderful habit to break into.
Thank you so much for sharing this! 🙂
~Carl~
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Thank you, Carl, that is a wonderful compliment! I have a feeling you are one of the good-mannered, good-hearted ones out there already! 🙂
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I don’t mind at all if you pay me a compliment. Do you mind if I share your writing with others?
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Thank you for asking. I never mind a share. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
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Done via Twitter 🙂
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Much appreciated!
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Wonderful…..a much needed mind shift!
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Thank you! I am going to try to do some similar posts on a semi-regular basis. Have a great Sunday!
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Bravo!
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Thank you for visiting and reading! 🙂
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You’ve inspired me to buy a coffee for the person next to me at Starbucks! I don’t mind at all!
How lovely this post is…full of optimism and good energy! It’s a pleasure to read your blog and to interact with you! How great are blogs? We get to “meet” friends through this amazing blogosphere!
Sending you many warm wishes for a wonderful start to the new week!
Lia
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Aw, this comment has made my night, Lia! I feel truly lucky to have found a wonderful group of friends to interact with here in the blogging community. I was thinking, you really should do Instagram to show off your photos. Have a beautiful week! Karen 🙂
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Oh, your reply here has made my night as well!!! Mutual smiling on both sides:))
Thanks for the nudge about Instagram…. I just might take the plunge soon!!
Have an amazing new week:))
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Great post! I love the way you turn negatives into positives, FYOG!
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Thank you! Wishing you a happy week ahead! 🙂
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So nice to read positive posts about being kind, and mindful 🙂
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Thank you for taking the time to visit, read, and comment! 🙂
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This is the sweetest post I have read today:)
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Yay, I love hearing that, thank you! 🙂
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Always trying to be considerate, smile, and say please and thank you. Essential tools for life. Thanks for this post! 🙂
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Yes, basic good manners should be a staple in our lives. Thanks for reading!
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great thought……….now that is called”optimism”. I really liked how you converted the negative vibes associated with those word into something positive.
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Thank you for reading and joining the conversation! I find positivity far more enjoyable than the alternative. 🙂
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thats the spirit……..cheers
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I don’t mind at all. Its amazing how a little change in tone can come out sweet or sour. Thank you for reminding me.
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Yes it is much nicer a a positive sentiment xx
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Oh wow, I love this post! I’m trying to be more “generous” lately, by not losing my temper with people, or wishing instant death on people who walk slowly in front of me – so this post really struck a chord with me!
Thanks for linking up with the #WeekendBlogHop!
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Thank you for reading! And for hosting the #WeekendBlogHop and providing the opportunity to meet new bloggers and to share our blogs! Best, Karen 🙂
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