A barista at a place I frequented for more than a year made me cry

[mary_poppins]

Hey again.

Idk if any of you had had this happen to them. Today, a barista at a place I frequented for more than a year recognised me (I stopped going there for longer than 8 months). She said this to me: 'Wow, I haven't seen you in a long time'. Now that I think about it, I am crying a bit because this happens very rarely to me.
This means:

-People DO pay attention to you; the majority of people out there, in public are not narcissists and they do notice others
-I am important and when I'm not around, other people notice this (and may even miss me).

I believe people don't miss me and I don't matter (NPD's family's programming) but seeing others' reaction proves otherwise.
Another example is this: I stopped going to a support group for months and when I did finally show up, one woman there said: 'I hoped you would show up. I always got good insight whenever you were in the group and talking about stuff.' I dont even know her in real life (it's an online support group) and yet, she was kind enough to tell me this. I don't think she lied, she was just saying what she felt.

This proves that I've been too much involved with NPD family and their brainwashing has had a deep impact on my self-esteem. Ugh 

[Invisiblewoman]

I have been discovering a stark contrast as well in how friends treat me, compared to how my family treats me.

My family wants to make me feel at fault, and wrong whenever I share a fear, or just for merely expressing myself.

My friends offer validation and support.

My family tries to make things worse if I share a vulnerability. I used to get screamed at, and stonewalled, followed by exposing my information to others in an unsavoury way. Sometimes they even laid their hands on me.

My friends would never want me to hurt like that.

I tend to isolate so when I see a friend it makes me feel appreciated, and like my wellbeing matters.

[moglow]

@mary_poppins - I stopped in at a little wing restaurant a few weeks ago to grab dinner on my way home. The server didn't remember my name, but she asked if I wanted all flats "like last time" AND mentioned the sauce I like (and they've got a list to pick from!) and that I preferred it on the side. I've been in there half a dozen times at best, but she remembered me. I made a point of getting her name this time, so I'll be better prepared ...

We really never know what people notice but a little kindness sure can go a long way. Glad they made your day(s)!

[JustKeepTrying]

Mary_poppins - I love that feeling. The feeling of being noticed and appreciated. When it does happen it just lifts you up and you feel part of the human race.

[mary_poppins]

@mary_poppins - I stopped in at a little wing restaurant a few weeks ago to grab dinner on my way home. The server didn't remember my name, but she asked if I wanted all flats "like last time" AND mentioned the sauce I like (and they've got a list to pick from!) and that I preferred it on the side. I've been in there half a dozen times at best, but she remembered me. I made a point of getting her name this time, so I'll be better prepared ...

We really never know what people notice but a little kindness sure can go a long way. Glad they made your day(s)!

I'm so happy when little things like these happen.

[mary_poppins]

I have been discovering a stark contrast as well in how friends treat me, compared to how my family treats me.

My family wants to make me feel at fault, and wrong whenever I share a fear, or just for merely expressing myself.

My friends offer validation and support.

My family tries to make things worse if I share a vulnerability. I used to get screamed at, and stonewalled, followed by exposing my information to others in an unsavoury way. Sometimes they even laid their hands on me.

My friends would never want me to hurt like that.

I tend to isolate so when I see a friend it makes me feel appreciated, and like my wellbeing matters.

Glad that you have such good friends. It's crazy how big the contrast is between out families and any person we meet or is outside the 'cult'. Most people are just nice.

[mary_poppins]

Mary_poppins - I love that feeling. The feeling of being noticed and appreciated. When it does happen it just lifts you up and you feel part of the human race.

Yes, it's the best.