For a little bit of a change of pace, this week I am going to write notes to the people whom I have qualm (or not qualms) with. There are always those people who define your experiences, whether you like it or not, and they must be recognized.
Road Rage
Believe it or not, I see you there in your car. Sometimes, I am the one doing something wrong, but Rage… sometimes, it’s you. How does it help either of us for you to lay on your horn and flip me off. I see your mouth moving profusely… you probably had a few choice words for me. Is there any point in saying “I’m sorry”? Nobody got hurt, and I’m not angry that you decided to pass me in an illegal zone and get mad at me over it. I don’t really see how you flailing at me is accomplishing anything. You’re still mad, right? And I now feel lousy because of a harmless error, maybe not even mine. Next time, can you please focus on driving well, instead of lowering my self-esteem?
And the Moral of the Story Is…
If you come up to me and say “this is broken, fix it now” I’m going to be inclined just to get done what you need and worry about the details later. Don’t insult my intelligence by claiming “start” means “stop” and “confirm” means “cancel”. If you start flailing angrily at me and demanding I do something for you, I’m inclined to do it to make you stop flailing. If you want to learn “how” to do it, don’t tell me I need to do it for you fast and then scold me for doing it wrong. Oh, and for the record, I pressed “confirm” because the details entered were correct. If you had given me half-a-second to speak instead of calling me ignorant and stupid, I’d’ve told you that. As it was, I was inclined just to get rid of you. If you’d been a little nicer, we’d’ve gotten on much better.
So Easy
Thank you so much for bringing a smile, and patience, too. In a situation where most people would prefer to shoot me in the head for taking more than five minutes, you volunteered days and then were thrilled with the end result. I’m so happy you were happy. Really. Hearing patience and appreciation means a lot.
It’s Nice to Be Nice
I heard about your day, and boy-oh-boy it sounds like you are ready to kick your feet up and read a good book for a while. And even though I saw how frustrated you were on the phone with the third party, I also heard how nicely you were speaking too her. When you explained to me that while the situation wasn’t ideal, the third party was doing the best they can and there’s no point in acting childish asking for more beyond someone’s means… that really struck me. I hope your situation ended up resolving itself well, because I think after your humanitarian wishes, you deserve it.
But, It’s Free
Yes. I see how much money you’re spending. I am also aware of the coupon in your hand that would have given you a free camcorder if you had ordered this all online. I’m really glad for your opportunity, but I’m not just being a jerk when I tell you I can’t give you that camcorder. Outside of policy – not following which could get me fired – I simply don’t have that item here. Honest. I’m not hiding it in a dusty corner, squirrelling it away for myself. I just don’t have it. You can spend this money online instead, and get that camcorder, but no matter how nicely you ask or how many different ways you phrase it, it’s just not going to magically appear in my possession to give to you because you want it. I’m sorry… it just isn’t.
Mister Grumpy Gills
Thank you so much for the blueberries yesterday! They made me smile. I ate some on my lunch break along with my Life cereal, and it was delicious. You know, I see it all the time, inside, you’re not Mister Grumpy Gills at all. You’re a very nice person who is tired of being walked all over. I get that. Believe me. And just so you know, I enjoy working with you and joking around with you. It’s a lot of fun, and don’t worry… I won’t tell anyone how much you smile.
To all the people out there, big and small, who made this week extraordinary and interesting in one way or another… I thank you. I would love to hear stories about all those people that really stood out since last Tuesday! Please share your experiences. Every person leaves an imprint on our lives, and they deserve to be recognised.