STRAIGHT IN THE EYE

Our glasses clinked, “Prost” we all said. “NO!” someone scolded, “You must look me straight in the eye.” This was not the first time I had been scolded in Germany. I was scolded for biking on the sidewalk, for not sitting naked on my towel in the coed sauna, and now for not looking everyone in the eye during a toast. I make it a point now to make eye contact, otherwise they say, the blessing will not go forth.

It’s more than a blessing, it’s honor, respect and connection. So, “Prost!” everyone!