Day 3 - 250 -- Encountering Rudeness

Today was filled with work and laughter. Research projects were submitted for presentation and a few admin details clarified. A couple of details needed repeated work throughout the day, but all ended well. When standing in queue to speak to a clerk another woman stood beside me instead of behind me. I also thought she was with the man in front of me who was being served. When a second clerk arrived to help deal with the growing line, she motioned to the woman 2 inches in front of me to come to her wicket. I turned to look at the woman beside me, who walked in front of me while saying, "you don't mind if I go first, do you." It was a statement, not a question. My response was likely less gracious than it could have been, but she clearly knew I was ahead of her in line.

While thinking through this event in my day, I realized how upset it made me at the time. She was obviously in a hurry as I watched her giving the clerk half of her attention while she kept checking behind us all looking at or for someone else. She was curt with the man who joined her at the wicket. I was determined not to let this woman colour the good feelings of the day and think I have succeeded. I found it odd that she didn't ask to go ahead of me because of something she was already late for or whatever. A simple (even made up) excuse would be easier to deal with than the bullying attitude that was presented -- like she was used to walking over people in her regular social dealings. It is likely a lifelong behaviour pattern -- I'd bet she was one of those mean girls in high school, too. In the end, I felt sorry for her rather than angry. She didn't seem to be a happy person. That by no means excuses her rude behaviour, though.

Only one song came to mind while mulling this over. The singer-songwriter deals with a different situation, but it is still rudeness. Enjoy!

Mean -- Taylor Swift