People Don't Expect Perfection - They Remember How You Show Up

Aspen loves her monthly box which has a very fun and unique theme. (it now comes in a bag for shipping, but it is the same high quality products.)

In an increasingly automated world, great customer service matters more than ever.

Aspen's monthly BARK box. Each month has a fun theme. She loves it! (They now use a bag for shipping rather than a box, but same great products)

Customer service can make or break an experience. 

Great service builds loyalty. It keeps you coming back, confident in your choice. 

Poor service? It leaves you frustrated - maybe willing to give one more chance… or maybe done for good.

And these days, with so many options at our fingertips, customer service isn't just important - it's everything.

There's nothing more frustrating than calling a company, navigating endless prompts, and never actually reaching a human. Gone are the days when someone simply picks up on the other end.

That said, I will admit - the callback option is a nice improvement.

I've been very pleased with Amazon Prime. I appreciate the ease of returns, the reliability, and of course, the speed of delivery. (I have no affiliation - just a satisfied customer.)

But the story I really want to share today is about a much smaller company that truly impressed me.

I'm not even sure how I first came across them - likely through social media - but the company is called BARK. As you might imagine, they specialize in dog products: treats, toys, food, dental items - and now even a first-class airline where you can travel with your furry friend.

They offer monthly subscription boxes, which I don't typically gravitate toward. But at the time, Aspen - my puppy - was tearing through every toy I brought home with those sharp little teeth.

BARK offered customizable packages, so I chose the large-breed, aggressive chewer option with treats. Each month, Aspen receives two bags of treats and two toys for around $29 - which I've found to be very reasonable.

So what sets them apart?

Customer service.

I live in a condominium where packages are usually delivered to a parcel room, though occasionally they're left at the front door. One month, Aspen's box never arrived. I reached out to BARK, and without hesitation, they apologized and immediately sent a replacement.

Their packaging is quite recognizable, and with so many dog owners in my building, I suspect it may have been taken. But what stood out is how they handled it - no questions, no hassle, just action. They also began sending shipping notifications so I'd know exactly when to expect delivery.

They also regularly send surveys asking for feedback - for both the customer and the dog, which I think is such a thoughtful touch.

I've typically given positive reviews, but recently I mentioned that the toys felt a bit too hard and Aspen was losing interest quickly.

Within an hour, I received a response.

They apologized and offered to send a softer, plush toy to see if it would be a better fit. They also let me know that if Aspen preferred it, they could customize future boxes accordingly.

Five days later, a plush dragon arrived.

Aspen loves it.

Aspen with her BARK dragon—blurry because she was so excited and shaking it all around.

I let BARK know how happy she was and asked if it was too late to adjust her upcoming box. Their response? Not at all - they were happy to make the change and simply glad Aspen was enjoying her new toy.

This is a company that goes above and beyond.

And that's exactly what creates not just satisfied customers - but loyal ones.

Final Thoughts

In a world where automation is replacing human interaction and convenience often outweighs connection, it's easy for companies to forget what truly matters.

People remember how you make them feel.

They remember when they're heard. 

When they're valued. 

When someone takes the time to go the extra step.

Exceptional customer service isn't about perfection - it's about presence. It's about responsiveness, care, and a genuine desire to make things right.

Because at the end of the day, products can be replicated.

But how a company shows up for its customers?

That's what sets it apart.

Interestingly, the same principles apply in our relationships - people don't expect perfection, but they do remember how we show up and how we make the other person feel.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please comment and share your customer service stories either good or nightmares. 

Peace & Light,

Libby

You Don't Miss Her - You Miss Who You Were With Her

Envat Elements Purchased Image License D9NP6YQFXA

You think you still miss her. 
But in reality, you miss the idea of her… 
the memories… 
and most of all, how you felt when you were with her.

You laughed easier with her. 
You showed up differently. 
She brought out a confidence in you that you didn’t even realize you had.

And for the first time in a long time, 
you believed… this could be it.

Now she’s gone. 
And it feels like that version of your life is gone too.

But is it?

The Mind Keeps Replaying Every Scene

You go over it all — again and again.

What could I have done better? 
Did she really understand how much I cared? 
Did I make her enough of a priority?

Your mind searches for answers as if one more thought might change the outcome.

But it won’t.

Reflection is healthy. Ownership is powerful. 
Yes — look inward and get honest about where you could have shown up differently.

And then… let it go.

Because staying stuck in the past doesn’t rewrite the story — 
it just keeps you from creating a new one.

Missing a Person vs. Missing a Feeling

It’s natural to grieve the loss of a relationship. 
You don’t just lose a person — you lose routines, connection, and shared moments.

But here’s the truth most people miss:

Missing her and missing how you felt with her are not the same thing.

Missing a person fades over time. 
Missing a feeling… that’s what lingers.

The good news?

Feelings can be created again.

If you miss connection, laughter, companionship — 
those experiences aren’t tied to one person.

They’re part of you. 
They can exist again, in different ways, with different people.

That doesn’t mean rushing into something serious. 
It means allowing yourself to live again.

To go out. 
To connect. 
To enjoy simple moments without constantly measuring them against the past.

Because the life you imagined with her? 
It wasn’t just about her.

It was about your capacity to love, to show up, to feel deeply.

And that hasn’t gone anywhere.

But here’s something to consider…

While you’re sitting in the past, 
replaying what was, 
questioning what could have been…

There may be someone out there — 
ready for the version of you who has done the work, 
who has grown, 
who knows how to show up even better this time.

Someone who doesn’t need you to be perfect — 
just present.

But they won’t wait forever.

At some point, you have to decide — 
are you going to stay attached to a memory… 
or open yourself up to what’s still possible?

How to Resolve Conflict

In Conflict Remember Each Person is Human

When we experience conflict our ego inflates as a protection mechanism. The ego wants us to be “right” or win the argument. However how can both people ultimately win? It is important to practice the pause when conflict arises. When we are faced with conflict our fight or flight response is triggered and we often say and do things we do not mean because the brain is not functioning logically. After much conflict in my own life and personally shifting to a better place I would like to share my conflict resolution plan with you. 

Conflict causes stress and anxiety which lead to illness and days off work. Conflicts are inevitable in life, but use these tools to help deflate each conflict you come across. Life is about giving and taking and finding balance. Stand up for yourself and set boundaries, but also consider the other persons concerns. Be sure you listen and know that you do not have to solve every problem. Sometimes people just need to be heard.

1. Realize that both people have fears and vulnerabilities

2. Ask yourself if what you are arguing about will matter five years from now

3. Consider taking a time out that is positively expressed so that you can both gather your thoughts

4. Be aware of your tone and body language

5. Choose your battles wisely

6. Eliminate the words ALWAYS and NEVER from your vocabulary

Realize You Both Have Fears and Vulnerabilities

When you are in a conflict but can see yourself in the other person it makes it difficult to be harsh or mean. Determine if your relationship is worth upsetting that person for. Remember, when you argue, the goal you wish to achieve. I know when my boyfriend and I argue it often is not a productive conversation but rather a lot of blaming and projecting. Once we gained awareness of this, we often pause now and reflect about what it is we actually want to achieve. Then it is easier to speak more gently and resolve the conflict.

Ask Yourself if What You are Arguing About Will Matter in Five Years

If it won’t matter in five years do not spend even five minutes arguing about it. Learning to let go and move forward is a blessing. If it is something important that will matter in five years then take the time to compose your thoughts and be sure to separate emotion from thought.

Consider Taking A Time Out

Telling the person you are in conflict with that you need a time out allows both people to calm down. Walking away and giving the silent treatment with out expressing the need for a time out leaves the other person feeling stonewalled or abandoned which leads to increased anxiety. Consider composing your thoughts in letter format and reading it several times before exchanging the letter. Often when we write our thoughts down they become more clear. And remember, say what you mean and mean what you say. Words can be forgiven but rarely are they forgotten.

Be Aware of Your Tone and Body Language

When we speak softly and avoid yelling we can ease anxiety for both people. We are naturally more capable of listening when we are not being yelled at. You do not need to raise your voice to convey your concerns in fact it is always better not to. When we do not feel heard it is natural for the voice to elevate. Let the person know that you hear them even if you do not agree or understand. Closed fists and crossed arms tend to signal being closed minded. Put the person at ease by relaxing your arms, shoulders and hands.

Choose Your Battles Wisely

This was sage advice my mom often said when I was growing up. I use it a-lot as a parent now as well. When something is very important that may be something worth fighting for set and keep your boundaries. For example; when raising my children I would put them in time out when they were disrespectful. Teaching them respect was very important to me. If my children broke something we would talk about being more careful but I did not put them in time out because that was a mistake and mistakes are how we learn.

Eliminate the Words ALWAYS and NEVER

Those of you who know me know that I am a firm believer in moderation. The words always and never are not only extreme, but they are downright impossible. In conflict these two words are used far too often. Eliminate them from your vocabulary and watch the tension decrease in conflict. Also, try to use “I statements” and this will reduce the feelings of blame and shame.

Don't let something that takes 10 seconds to say ruin the next 10 days.. It would mean so much to me if you subscribe to my YouTube Channel! http://bit.ly/2n6hiQP INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2k1RILy FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/2wFIOoB TWITTER: http://bit.ly/2A9a3Nb WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/2eBk2gA

Peace, Light, & Love,

Libby

P.S. Please email me at Libby@journeytothelifeyoulove.com for Life & Wellness Coaching. Sessions can be done by video conference, in person or via telephone. For more information on why a coach will help you please click this link http://www.journeytothelifeyoulove.com