November 23, 2007
You Never Know
I don't *DO* Black Friday. Are you kidding?!?! I'd end up hurting someone. No, I'll leave the crowds of shoppers to those of you who can handle it all.
But....if I have nothing going on Thanksgiving Day I'll usually run to Wal-Mart and or Kmart to pick up "basics" that I need for my Christmas decor. It's on sale and it's usually not busy at all.
Yesterday was no exception. Well, except my list is longer than I like, but huh, what are ya gonna do?
As I'm standing in the checkout line at Wal-Mart an older man got in line behind me. And struck up a conversation.
It started out pleasant enough...but spiraled out of control before I knew what hit me.
He ended up lecturing me on the importance of Family....and Friends....and how the Holiday should be spent with them instead of at a store, hence causing others to miss time with THEIR families.
I hadn't said a single word. Seriously. Ok, maybe "Hi" and "Happy Thanksgiving" but nothing that should have sparked THAT kind of lecture.
I just stood there and smiled. And nodded... Y'all know me and how I feel about that.....until I hit my limit.
Finally I just looked him in the eye and said, when he paused to take a breath...."So. Why are *YOU* here, sir?"
He turned around and walked away. I want to feel bad, that maybe I hit a nerve or something. But I don't. HE hit a nerve. And he needs to learn, at what ever age, that you don't just SPOUT out your opinion, or judge people off the cuff.
No one knows anyone's story. Unless they choose to share it with you. And you never know how much pain your words can cause. We can't KNOW why someone does what they do, and I get really angry when folks think they can.
Think. That's all I'm asking....just think.....
Posted by Tammi at November 23, 2007 05:00 AM | TrackBackIf you don't loose your cool - at least on the inside = 25-60% of the time you go to Walmart, then you have become a "sheeple". There should be an international hand signal that would mean "please stop talking to me, I don't want to be mean but if you continue I am going to rip you apart". Until that sign is created, you can use some of my lines: "The VA told me their would be civilians like you" or just close your eyes and start shaking and chanting "Remember the Fifth Commandment, Remember the Fifth Commandment".
Posted by: dick at November 23, 2007 07:01 AMThat's why I don't go anywhere from Thanksgiving day through Sunday. I squirrel away food and lie around like the stuffed turkey I just ate and watch t.v. or, like you, decorate. Mow the yard. Bathe the dog.
The people down here are crazy enough but during the holidays [and Black Friday!] they're downright manic. Like a herd of stampeding cattle: no brains and a lot of muscle. I'm not stepping in front of that!
That being said, if I needed something I'd send YsD. LOL!
Posted by: pam at November 23, 2007 07:14 AMHeheheh... whatever I was going to say got lost when I read Dick's "fifth commandment" line...
Posted by: That 1 Guy at November 23, 2007 07:30 AMAnd you know people were "camped out" over at DH's store yesterday starting at 11am. It's CRAZY!
I would rather take a beating...
Posted by: Richmond at November 23, 2007 09:27 AMThe good news is, is that you let him live.
The bad news is, that horrid attitude persists.
That "I know" attitude is far to familiar.
I would like to see this eye rolling, and crappy attitude stop. Lets all make sure that we are friendly to one another this season.
The stores are going to busy, that is a given.
Lets take the time to thank those ho are working in the service industry this season, and thank them while in the LONg lines....
some people just suck....
Where is the "300 pit" when you need one.
Posted by: awtm at November 23, 2007 09:31 AM