I missed a chance to be kind yesterday. I waited for a parking place, slowly pulled half way in, and a car came barreling in from the other side and pulled right into it also. I slammed on my brakes; he did not. He kept coming until he touched my bumper and then just sat there, challenging me with his eyes. I sat there for a few heartbeats, too, knowing I was in the right and half expecting him to mouth "sorry" and back up. He didn't. I did.
He drove a beat-up old car, obviously an immigrant, and young. A sad looking woman was hunched beside him. As I said, I was in a hurry, I felt threatened and ticked off, and I'm sure my face did not look happy and pleasant. I parked in the next row and got out and they sat in their car watching me. I looked back from the door of the store and they were still sitting in the car, watching me.
As I said, I missed a chance to be kind. I wish I had smiled and backed out gracefully, I wish I had walked over and handed them the 50% off coupon I had in my hand. Maybe they would have enjoyed their shopping and passed the kindness along.
Posted with Blogsy
Not sure that I could have been kind spirited in that situation. You are right though, it might have made a difference to his behaviour but unlikely.
ReplyDeleteDiscretion is the better part of valor; good for you!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a nice person.
ReplyDeletecynthia your behaviuor was corrrect
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't worry too much; there are far better people to be kind to.
ReplyDeleteCommendable - but if you had good insurance, I think the action of that lady in the film - "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" might have been warranted!
ReplyDeleteA very moving movie but the carpark incident was definitely a highlight.
Cheers
Aussie Col
Weather here: Not morning tracksuit pants!!! Might be a bit saunaville by the afternoon, but PLEASE
no monster cell storms - one is enough ever 30 odd years!
Another film I have to watch again! I don't remember the parking lot scene you are referring to.
DeleteA good "Aussie Bull Bar" on the front of a 4WD will do the trick nicely - ha ha!
DeleteIt is sad that there are people like that and I agree with you that they could respond well to kindness. But don't beat yourself. We all have missed opportunities through fear, self-consciousness, anger etc. You did your best. Sometimes I just say a quiet prayer (iunknown to the people) for situations and people that come across my path. Have a blessed day. Hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteI understand your desire to have been nicer - to show them a kindness in the midst of their poor behavior. But think of it as a leaning experience for next - because there will be a next time, unfortunately. Something similar happened to me Saturday at the greenhouse in the check out lane. People can be very selfish in the midst of gift shopping :/
ReplyDeleteMy comment worked! Whoa! haha
DeleteYay, nice to see you here! I'm just glad I live in the land of Minnesota Nice (most of the time anyway).
DeleteCynthia, I would bet they were a bit ashamed when they were watching you. As they should be! You'll get another chance, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteCynthia, you were in a hurry and feeling threatened so the way you feel you would have like to have behaved when you had chance to reflect, was not going to be in the forefront of your mind when you're in a hurry and feeling threatened. You could have behaved much differently so I wouldn't worry unduly x
ReplyDeleteAw, you're a good person and missing an opportunity doesn't change that. So many folks wouldn't even second-guess themselves. What I admire, though, is your courage to post your thoughts how on it could have gone better. By doing that. perhaps your influence on kind deeds will be more reaching! I remember the parking lot scene in the Fried Green Tomatoes movie!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of the Fried Green Tomatoes Movie too! I loved that scene.
ReplyDeleteI suppose they figured that you were going to call the cops...If they had seen you on the phone I bet they would have left in a hurry.
You will find someone nicer to be nice to:)
I wish I had your patience and kindness. This is one of the reasons I would never buy a new car even it they didn't lose so much money. There are a lot of people driving old bangers without a car in the world as it doesn't matter if they get a scratch or a dent.
ReplyDeleteI am a big believer in Karma though x
Oh that happens here too, people taking your parking spot slipping in first or trying too. It's hard to be charitable at a time like that. Wonder what was on their minds!
ReplyDeleteShould have been care in the world lol x
ReplyDeleteDon't beat yourself up about it this season brings out the worst in a few. I think you did the right thing to find another spot. I hope you used your 50% off coupon on something good.
ReplyDelete