Saturday, August 31, 2013

Everyday Truths


When I ran a few errands yesterday, I encountered some of life's truths:



On my first errand, although there were several legitimate spots available, I watched as a woman created her own parking space at the end of a row and only ten feet from the front of the store. 

This is a person who probably feels more entitled to life’s perks than the rest of us.



Next came Staples, and I snaked my way through the maze of barriers intended to create an orderly path to the register. I achieved the front of the line. Ten seconds later, a woman who had breached the system stood in front of me and benignly said, 

“You can go before me.”

I replied, “Yes, I know, I’m next.” (I’m proud of myself that I remembered to smile.)

Indicating the man currently at the register, “You can go after him. The cashier has something for me, but I’ll go after you.”

Still smiling, but with a bit of a clench, “I will. That’s why I got in the line, which begins over here,” indicating the fenced-off area in back of me.

“I know, but I have a bit of trouble with my feet.”

At this point three teenagers lined up in back of me and spoke to her. She could have simply waited for them to reach the register.

Result: I came off as a heartless stickler and she had no idea how unnecessary and irritating the whole exchange had been. 


Moving on to the local jewelers, I waited to have the battery in my watch replaced. I overheard a conversation between the shop keeper and a young thing in both a dirty sweatshirt and dirty sweatpants who identified herself as a senior in high school (at a time, when she should have been sitting in that high school):

Brightly, “So, what are your plans for next year?”
“I dunno. I’ll probably sign up for a college around here.”
“That’s great!” Hearty enthusiasm of the shopkeeper is beginning to dim. “What would you like to be?”
“An architect.”
“Well, good for you! Lots of math, ha ha.”
“Yeah.”

Young people involved in conversations like this are unlikely to become architects.



6 comments:

  1. I need that sign. People have been known to pull up to my gate, park their car and then drive off with some one else.

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  2. My goodness. You do live innteresting territory.

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  3. Conversations and behaviour patterns I have come across frequently. Some people . . . .

    You were remarkably patient with the queue jumper, I am glad to see you stood your ground.

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    1. Difficult to maintain one's love for her fellow man after a morning like that.

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  4. Your morning reminds me of encounters I've had. I'm sooo irritated by those who think they can leave their shopping cart in middle of the parking lot, people who cut in line, and drivers who tailgate. Hmm, that's just the tip of the iceberg. ;)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bica - Yep. I had a whole rant to myself on the ride home about people who are unaware they have a turn signal indicator on their car.

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