************
I did something quite out of character yesterday that I pondered for hours afterwards.We made the obligatory Memorial Day stop at Macy's in Orlando yesterday on the way home. Walking into the building K was in front of me and Sid and my mother were a few feet behind me. K held the door for me and I was going to hold the door for the rest of the crew. Before they got there two other ladies got to the door before them. I was holding the door anyway so I kept on holding it. The first lady said thank you and held it for the next lady (they were together). I was really waiting for Sid so I didn't move from the door but instead kept holding it open. The second lady was a bit older. She didn't say thank you as she came through but she sort of smiled so whatever. What got me was that she was oblivious to the fact that there was anyone else around. She walked through and practically let the door hit my kid who wasn't even two steps behind her at that point. My demeanor changed immediately as you can imagine and my sarcastic side came out. Normally I would have just been exasperated but I would have kept my comments to myself. Not this time. Instead I said, "Thanks for holding the door for my son." She asked me to repeat myself which I did. She claimed to not have known he was there. They were the only four people withing 50 ft of each other and they were all walking towards the same door. How could she not even do a shoulder-check before letting go of the door? I could have gone off on her about my loss of faith in humanity and the self-centered, self-absorbed nature of north americans, but I didn't bother.
I felt bad about it later. Not about saying something but about not explaining myself. She left with the misconception that I have "chip on my shoulder." I know because she said as much. She knows I heard her but I didn't say anything. I was really surprised my mother didn't go off because she's always been a firecracker.
Was it worth it? In the end I was still exasperated.
************
I finished reading "The Da Vinci" code. All I'll say right now is that I thought it was a good read - definitely a page-turner.
8 comments:
it doesn't matter what we think about what you did cuz at the time you felt it was necessary for you to say something and that's all that matters.
don't fret on it. if anything, be relieved you got it offa ya chest instead of having it fester there like a sore. that ain't a good look and you don't need any stress right now.
I wonder why the lady didn't apologize to you for not looking behind her before letting the door slam into the baby's face. But try not to feel bad about this, because I don't think it was your intention to hurt. It was just to make the lady mindful of people coming behind her.
Seems you had interesting Memorial weekend.
Some people just don't care about anyone around them. I have held the door a couple of times for persons who didn't think they should say thanks or hold the door for the next person, just pisses me off.
that sounds like something I woulda said. I woulda asked her to repeat herself when she started mumbling under her breath.
One of my pet peeves is when people don't say "thanks" when hold the door open for them and when they don't say "excuse me" when they pass in front of you in say a grocery store aisle....drives me crazy. Makes me want to cuss 'em out; but then I realize I'd just spoil my own pleasant mood.
Ive been debating about reading that book. But, I tend to like action, or drama. I get the impression theres alot of conversation. True. I'd never follow a conversational book. And, in the case of the woman, I think its always best just to let things go. But, I do understand your anger.
I have a tendency to speak first and think later, but you said what came to mind at the time, and given your description of events it seems reasonable.
I really have to go ahead and read that book. It's on my list but I haven't gotten around to it.
I ain't mad at ya. For me, the situation changes considerably when my children are involved. If she would have let the door close on me I would have rolled my eyes and kept it moving. I think its the whole protective mother thing.
You did right by telling her. Maybe next time she'll be more aware of her surroundings.
So... what did you buy in Orlando?
Post a Comment