Writing back to Timothy Snyder - #12 - Make eye contact & small talk

Today, I'm writing back to one of Timothy Snyder's lessons from On Tyranny, creating a reminder for myself about how important it is to do this work, in these days.

12. Make eye contact and small talk. This is not just polite. It is part of being a citizen and a responsible member of society. It is also a way to stay in touch with your surroundings, break down social barriers, and understand whom you should and should not trust. If we enter a culture of denunciation, you will want to know the psychological landscape of your daily life.

https://timothysnyder.org/on-tyranny

Oh, hello!

Goodness, let me get that door for you.

That rain was intense last night, but yes,

rinsing off the city grit.

I just love your canvas bag

your 'persist' button

your 'resist' T shirt.

Oh, I got this bag from the ACLU

my button from the League of Women Voters

this T-shirt is from Penzey's - 

aren't they the best?

How are your children?

That picture is adorable, the joy in their eyes.

They are thriving, I see it, too.

Oh yes oh yes.

These days.

I hardly know where to start, but yes - did I say I love your button?

Persist is right.

Will I see you at the protest?
At the sing-in?
At the planning meeting?
I will catch you there.

I'm glad for even this minute to say hey, to reconnect

at the library

at the woman-owned coffee shop 

here in our local grocery store.

Here...

let me get that door for you.