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I will never forget that very special flight back to Canada. You just never know how a simple flight can change your life. After having a relaxing vacation in Varadero, Cuba, I was annoyed to discover that there were no window seats available for our flight home. I had no choice but to sit beside a stranger. My comfort zone of having a window on one side of me, and my husband on the other, was not meant to be on this flight. No, today's flight would likely consist of meaningless chatter and awkward silences with an unknown person who I'd never see again. Too bad the wine wasn't complimentary on the flight.

As I located my seat, I clutched my book and headphones as if my life depended on them to provide that essential buffer between the dreaded stranger and me. At times like this, I realize that I am truly not an extrovert; no matter how hard I try! When I sat down, the female stranger and I shyly smiled at one another. I had actually noticed this woman at our resort and had admired how she always seemed to be chatting with different people, laughing easily even though she was traveling alone.

First impressions are powerful aren't they? Even though we're taught not to "judge a book by its cover", don't many of us still do it anyway? My first impression of this woman was that she was a wealthy, attractive, professional woman who probably enjoys vacationing to exotic places by herself in order to broaden her horizons and meet new people. Her confidence was almost palpable. If nothing else, I thought, perhaps some of this stranger's confidence would rub off on me during the flight.

I braced myself, and sat down.

A trivial conversation ensued. We started to talk about the resort and how much we had enjoyed our vacations. Nonetheless, I heard myself complaining about little things such as the cold temperature of the pools, and not liking the bacon at breakfast. I think I even mentioned something about the drinks being too strong at the hotel!

Yes not even some good quality Havana Club rum could prevent me from complaining!

As I heard myself complaining, I quickly remembered reading all the trip reviews on the Internet prior to our trip. Both my husband and I had commented about how negative people were, complaining about such trivial things. We vowed to go with the flow and enjoy ourselves no matter what. Yet, here I was, becoming what I had mocked. After hearing my silly little complaints, the stranger, Laura*, quietly

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