Acknowledgement

We were have a post-delayed Christmas lunch Pow-Wow around the Comppound, the sort of conversation which occurs when one is back but not quite ready to get back to work.  I commented in passing to Fear Beag that was nice to see so many people at the lunch table compared to some years past, when it has been so few.  I even noted that An Ghearmailteach was mentioned.  Both of them agreed, even noting in one case that someone that had never been mentioned - in a year - was noted.

I didn't think much of it until I was thinking later about the question of acknowledging people.  Suddenly I realized it for the insult that it was.

To acknowledge someone is not the same as to become their friend.  It is not the same as asking them to be part of your life.  It is, however, noted their existence and granting them the respect that one deserves for being and doing.  It matters more, of course, when the people in question are doing something for or around you from which you benefit directly or indirectly.

In wondering why this is, I wonder what it says about the people themselves.  Is it because they are uncomfortable?  Is it because they do not know what to say?  Or is it from a simple practice that unless someone is directly contributing to my life or my being, they are not worth notice?

It may seem like a minor point, but (having been on the other side of this multiple times) it is a matter of  greatest concern in situations where people live and work together.  There is a certain level of decorum that simply must be maintained if we are to function as a group.  Not acknowledging people - essentially pretending that they do not exist - does nothing towards accomplishing anything and certainly does not change the fact that they are actually there.  And believe me - people do notice.

The challenge for myself is to find that I do not fall into the same trap.

People exist - especially those doing something from which you benefit.  Take a moment to at least nod or say hi.  Just because they are not doing what you are doing does not mean they have no value.