French Style…
In France, goodbyes were always a significant event. The same caravan of cars filled with family that had come to the airport to pick you up when you arrived was now part of the return trip to see you off. The only difference being that no grand meal was being prepared as it had to celebrate your arrival, which freed even more people to join the trip to see you off.
Gathered in the departure area of the airport, the tears would start when the final calls for the flight were announced on the loudspeaker. The family would realize that all efforts to delay the parting from loved ones was no longer possible without missing the flight. Thus began the inevitable slow procession from the family and on through security, passport checks and towards the inside of the airport.
Tight hugs, lots of crying and promises to see each other soon were exchanged. Thank you’s for such a wonderful time along with giggles of what a pleasure it had all been. More tears, warm embraces, men playing tough but not doing a good job of hiding their sadness. It was always quite an emotional affair of love, longing and appreciation. You would reluctantly walk away from them towards the gate.
As you tried to seem serious, handing your passport to an officer and answering questions, there was a constant turning of your head to look back at the waving crowd, a tear dripping down your cheek, a melancholy smile on your face and your hand raised high and frantically waving back above the security glass. What a sensational feeling of love. This continued along the entire procession until you reached that final corner, the last chance to see each other. A final few drops of tears and energetic waves high in the air on your tippy toes and… then you disappeared around a corner. Perhaps forever.
Goodbyes are important. They aren’t some passing gesture to make the end of a meeting. They are small rituals that communicate love and perhaps also celebrate a final encounter. We should take them more seriously.
There is a custom in France that I have always found fascinating and quite uplifting to partake in. Upon entering a store you are expected to greet the store owner and the customers who are there. When you leave, you are expected to say goodbye to the store owner and the other customers, wishing everyone a good day. They all in turn do the same to you.
I know it probably seems strange to the average person who is accustomed to entering and exiting any establishment without greetings or parting words of any kind. It is a cold business transaction and nothing else. I still recommend you try it.
The next time you enter a store, greet everyone, and when you leave, say goodbye to everyone. People will look at you as if you’ve just escaped an insane asylum but I guarantee that not only will you be filled with wonderful feelings, but the store owner and customers who were taken aback by your actions will find it difficult to explain the noticeably warm feelings they have suddenly been filled with. Exit with a big wave on your tippy toes for a dramatic sealing of the deal.
You will find that once you start, the amazing feeling that fills you and infects everyone, makes it hard to stop, and lights a little candle in this too often dark world.
If you enjoyed this you will also enjoy these:
The Importance of Goodbye I… Every Goodbye Should be a Memento Mori
Renato Passalacqua 