This week stores are busier, restaurants are filling up, phones ring , and expectations seem higher than ever. For many service workers and small business owners in Wellen Park and beyond, this time of year is not just festive. It is exhausting and extremely stressful.
Behind every counter, kitchen, office, and service call is a real person who is doing their best. Many are working longer hours, juggling multiple jobs, or carrying personal stress that never shows on the surface. Some are worried about paying bills. Some are caring for sick family members. Some are navigating loss, anxiety, or financial strain while still showing up with a smile.
It is easy to forget that when something goes wrong.
A longer wait time. An order not exactly right. A service that did not meet an expectation. In moments like these, frustration can turn into harsh words, threats of negative reviews, demands for refunds, or public criticism. What often gets lost is perspective.
Small businesses do not have unlimited staff or resources. Service workers do not control every system, supplier, or delay. Many businesses are operating with smaller teams than ever before while costs continue to rise. Most owners are not sitting back comfortably. They are working alongside their staff, covering shifts, answering emails late at night, and trying to keep the doors open.
Perfection is a standard that does not exist in real life, especially in an economy that continues to challenge families and businesses alike.
Kindness does not mean accepting poor service or never speaking up. It means approaching situations with patience, understanding, and respect. It means remembering that feedback can be given without being hurtful. It means choosing conversation over confrontation.
A calm word instead of a raised voice.
A private message instead of a public attack.
Grace instead of assumptions.
The impact of kindness is real. One thoughtful interaction can change the entire tone of someone’s day. One understanding customer can remind a tired worker why they chose this line of work. One supportive comment can carry an owner through a difficult week.
During the holidays especially, many people are quietly struggling. You never truly know what someone is dealing with once they leave work. The words spoken in passing can stay with someone far longer than intended.
As a community, Wellen Park has always prided itself on being welcoming and supportive. Carrying that spirit into our everyday interactions with local businesses and service workers helps everyone.
This season, and beyond, let’s remember that everyone is trying their best. A little patience, a little empathy, and a little kindness can make a meaningful difference.
