Few days back, I resolved that I would greet people with a five (at least people of same cadre). In the corridors, in the mess,
in the grounds, in the room; just stick my hands up, instead of forward;
regardless of caste, creed, religion or sex. To my delight, I got a response every
time I tried. Also, I got a smile along with the regular "hi" or "hello". Maybe I’m exaggerating. Maybe I’m trying to oversell my high fives. I don't know.Wait, I
believe “thank you”s are equally amazing
. I’ll talk about that later, if need be, ie. if I end up over-killing with my promotion of high fives.
Anyway, recently, I was part of this 7 day trek up in the Himalayas, Uttrakhand. At every check point, the instructor would ask for a count. A “count’ would be us lining up and sequentially shouting out the successive number with a hearty five as we passed him. The smile, the
energy it gave us was magical. It seemed to boost up our flagging spirits &
improved camaraderie at least for the next 5 min. Similarly, the morning count would relieve the
residual grumpiness; a result of the 6am wake-up call.
This trek also included a visit to this school(CSR activity) at a village near new Tehri, which is about 2km above sea level. As I took my perch on parapet wall, looking on at the kids playing, a kid, about 8 years of age, walked towards me, inquisitive about this new guy on the wall. There was an obvious language barrier between us, one as big as the great wall of china. As he approached closer, I stuck out my hand instinctively and smiled. He leapt up and *clap*; we shared that smile. That, that is how simple a high five is, and that is how easy it works, everywhere; every time; the louder, the better.
This trek also included a visit to this school(CSR activity) at a village near new Tehri, which is about 2km above sea level. As I took my perch on parapet wall, looking on at the kids playing, a kid, about 8 years of age, walked towards me, inquisitive about this new guy on the wall. There was an obvious language barrier between us, one as big as the great wall of china. As he approached closer, I stuck out my hand instinctively and smiled. He leapt up and *clap*; we shared that smile. That, that is how simple a high five is, and that is how easy it works, everywhere; every time; the louder, the better.
Yes, it might not work for all of us, but neither does hand
shake. A high five is shorter, more energetic and does not involve etiquette -
how long, how short, how hard etc. that are associated with handshakes. Yes, there
are drawbacks. A guy might end up slapping your face instead of your hand.
Maybe you deserve it, maybe u don’t. If you don’t, you can slap him back as
well; get it out of your system. Wait, I’m digressing. But seriously, try it,
it is fun. Give them a five or ten if you are feeling particularly generous.
Thank you for your patient reading. Thank you very much
*high five*
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