Don’t Judge by Appearances: The Story of Linda Meyers
Linda Meyers was on her way to dinner when a sudden downpour began. Without an umbrella, her carefully styled hair was quickly soaked, clinging to her face. Her blouse and jacket were drenched, making her look disheveled.
The nearest place she could find was a well-known café, popular among the rich and famous. But as she reached the entrance, the doorman stopped her.
“Ma’am, this is an exclusive café. You need a reservation to enter,” he said, eyeing her from head to toe. “Besides, it doesn’t look like you can afford to dine here,” he added under his breath.
Offended by the rude comment, Linda asked to speak to the manager. But instead of offering help, the manager backed up the doorman’s words.
“Ma’am, we’re hosting over a hundred guests tonight. Let’s not waste time. I’ll have to ask you to leave,” said the manager, whose name tag read “Simon.”
“I just need shelter from the rain. I’m willing to order something,” Linda replied.
“I can’t let you in looking like that. You’ll scare away our guests,” Simon insisted.
Feeling rejected and humiliated, Linda walked off to find another place to wait out the storm.
The Next Day, Everything Changed
When Simon arrived at work the next day, the café owner was already there waiting. He called Simon over.
“Today is very important. A friend of mine and his wife are visiting. They’re considering buying the café. Everything must be perfect.”
Simon organized the staff and ensured everything was ready for their VIP guests. That evening, the owner brought Simon over to the guests’ table.
“Let me introduce you to our manager. He’s excellent at his job—kind, attentive, and professional,” the owner said proudly.
The woman at the table turned to Simon with a gentle smile.
“Very nice indeed. He seems just as you described,” she said.
Simon froze. The woman was Linda—the same woman he had turned away in the rain the night before. His face turned pale as realization hit him. Linda looked back at the owner.
“You have a lovely café and such charming staff. My husband and I are happy to proceed with the purchase.”
Justice with Kindness
The next day, Linda and her husband arrived early, eager to observe the café’s operations and meet their new staff.
When Linda saw Simon, she walked over and said:
“Simon, after some thought, my husband and I have decided to reassign you as a waiter. The way you treated me the other night was unacceptable, and not how any customer should be treated.”
Simon was handed an apron and a tray. Though humiliated, he accepted the demotion, grateful to still have a job.
A few days later, a frail elderly woman came into the café. She ordered a sandwich and a hot tea. After finishing, she reached into her purse.
“Oh dear,” she said, clearly flustered. “I must’ve left my wallet at home. I’m so sorry. I can wash dishes or clean up to pay for the meal.”
Simon shook his head kindly. “It’s alright, ma’am. I’ll cover your bill this time.”
The woman gratefully thanked him.
“It’s no problem. We should all help each other. Just a few days ago, the new owner gave me a second chance. I want to be like her. I believe in karma.”
“I believe you’ll be a manager again soon,” the woman said.
Simon was puzzled—how did she know about his demotion?
At that moment, Linda appeared beside them.
“This woman is a friend of mine. I asked her to come in today to test you—to see if you’ve learned your lesson. I’m happy to say, you passed. You’re reinstated as manager, effective immediately.”
Linda gave him a reassuring pat on the back. Simon was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. He had never experienced such compassion.
From that day on, he came to work with a smile. He treated the staff and customers with patience and care, and the café flourished under the new ownership.
What Can We Learn From This Story?
We should never judge people by how they look. The doorman and Simon judged Linda based on her appearance, unaware she would soon become their boss. Everyone deserves a second chance. Linda gave Simon that chance, and he proved he could change.
Share this story with your loved ones. It might inspire them and brighten their day.