Today I have only been to one shop and no cafés but have visited our health centre and also had a dental appointment. I was also part of a discussion at our Quaker Meeting House. Do these count, and what do we mean by ‘saying friendly things’?

Being pragmatic I interpreted this task as being everything from listening carefully and showing an interest in someone, responding in a friendly way, or communicating in a positive way to passers-by. A smile or ‘good morning’ goes a long way, as does a brief comment about our favourite subject in the UK – the weather – or as appropriate, a ‘thank you’. So amongst others I thanked someone on a mobility scooter who stopped on the pavement allowing me to pass. I thanked the dental and health receptionists, and the dentist for giving me some great advice about a particular kind of toothpaste. I thanked someone ahead of me in a shop who realised I was in a hurry and who let me go first, and I was grateful to Quaker Friends who let me dash off after the discussion for a meeting whilst they cleared up.

Tomorrow I know that I have shopping to do and so although there will be another task, I look forward to friendly talk with Maureen, Caroline, Veronica, Pam, Marie and others, and I may even manage a cuppa somewhere.