As we grow old, life gets tougher and tougher with every passing day and as we are preoccupied with our personal problems, we often forget to be kind to those around us.

Now when you think about it, when was the last time that you used the words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’? If you can’t really recall, you are not the only one. A barista that works at the CUPS Coffee and Tea noticed how less and less people use these words and that got him so mad that he decided to place a sign in front of his shop that would hopefully remind the customers to be more polite.

It read:

“One small coffee”
$5.00
“One small coffee, please”
$3.00
“Hello, I’d like one small coffee please.”
$1.75

Looking at the sign, customers realize it wouldn’t cost them anything to use the ‘magic words’ but it would save them some money.

But it also makes them think deeper about the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. That person that makes you your first morning coffee had to be up very early in the morning so that you can enjoy drinking it.

The thing is that we’ve become selfish and don’t appreciate other’s work and sacrifice.

Austin, the barista who came up with the brilliant idea told WDBJ7: “I decided, because I need to solve all the injustices of the world, to start charging more for people who didn’t take the time to say hello and connect and realize we’re all people behind the counter.” 

His sign took the attention of many passersby and apparently someone thought it was worth posting it on Facebook. In just a matter of days, Austin’s sign has gone viral and people loved this barista’s brilliance.

Take a look at what Austin has to say in the video below.