When a Kind Gesture, Isn't

Years ago I worked for an organization whose founders were well known. Even hated by some. They often had bodyguards wherever they went and it was an unspoken that you did not talk to them unless you were talked to first.

I genuinely cared for and respected this couple so when they walked into the department I worked in, I happily bounded up to them to say hello.

A simple kind gesture letting them know how glad I was to see them, right? Wrong.

They looked at me like I had two heads and I immediately knew I crossed a line I should not have.

Telling my co-workers what I did the immediate response was,

“Jacquie are you nuts? You know you don’t just walk up to <blank> and say hello.”

“I know, I know – I was just so happy to see them I didn’t think.”

Recently, I tweeted a cup of coffee to someone I follow on Twitter.  (A REALLY cool new feature offered by Starbucks BTW) This person runs in very different circles than I do. But, we’ve followed each other on social media for years and I have met them in person so I didn’t think twice about it.

A kind gesture to acknowledge a pivotal moment in a “friend’s” life right? Wrong.

This person never acknowledged my Twitter gift and did not claim it.

I think I have two heads again.

I’ve pondered these situations over the past few days though and am reminded that,

Just because you think you know someone – whether it be through media or social media -- doesn’t mean you really do. Working relationships and friendships are built through regular “in person” interactions and Twitter, while fabulous, isn’t the same as in person. 

Familiarity does not equal friendship.

You think I’d know better after having worked in social media for so many years but no, I’m still learning. Always grateful to be learning!