I tend to expect the best from people.
I’m a glass half full type of gal.
Maybe that’s why I often find myself disappointed.
Yesterday, as I was driving from one NEPA location to another and running my usual fifteen minutes late I drove my little Aveo fast and hard. I used the passing lanes and, admittedly, went a little faster than I probably should have; but I wanted to get to my brothers’ swim meet and celebrate The Golden Child’s birthday.
After passing 4 or 5 cars in passing lanes I eventually came to a red light and complied to the rules of the road and stopped. While singing along to some random Christmas song, I spot a man in my side view mirror. It looks like he’s approaching my vehicle. As he gets closer, I think, “Oh no, maybe my taillight is out or something’s wrong with my car. What a nice man to come and inform me of such.”
I see the man’s mouth moving, but I can’t understand him (hello, it’s NEPA, it’s DECEMBER, why on earth would my windows be down?!) I roll down my window, smile and say, “What’s that?” expecting a good Samaritan response.
“Where you going, hot rod?” is the retort I’m given.
I assure you readers, this sentence was said with the most contempt and holier-than-thou attitude you can possible imagine.
I was dumbstruck. I sat there with my mouth open as I rolled up my window. I felt like the universe slapped me in the face. All day long I had thought good thoughts, smiling at the strangers I met, holding open doors, filling out surveys, and being KIND. And this, this is how the universe repays me? Redneck old men on a power trip? Epic Fail, Universe, EPIC FAIL.
As I sat there and stewed I felt myself get increasingly upset. Just where does he get off asking me such a question? How did he know I wasn’t on my way to my father’s deathbed? How did he know I wasn’t 9 months and 2 weeks pregnant and ready to expel chilin all over the place? Why did he feel compelled to be so rude to a complete stranger whose only crime was passing him in the PASSING LANE?!
That kind of delusional self-involvement is foreign to me. I always try to put myself in the other person’s shoes. I’m nice to service people, I politely decline the annoying, “Miss, can I ask you a question?” mall lotion-hockers. I’m nice to telemarketers.
I truly believe that most people are good and kind, and if they’re not when I interact with them, I assume I caught them on a bad day, or that they’re going through a rough patch. I normally see the world as graciously filling my glass halfway.
Today, I felt like I watched someone empty it.
Asshat.
Fin.
If he thought you were going fast, that’s one thing. But to get out of his vehicle in cold-ass NEPA just to hand down his personal condemnation (because, you were totally going to listen to him)?!?
What a stupid bastard.
Next time, tell him just to relax, take a deep breath, count to ten…and then go fuck himself.
don’t you just love people?
…
….
……………… Imsorrywhuuuuuuut?!!
He got out of his fucking car to say that? Just that? For passing in the goddamn passing lane? WOW, SHABA, YOU SHOULD DIE, YOU’RE SO RUDE! How dare you obey most of the laws of traffic!
I am so sorry this happened to you, especially on a day when he should have been giving you roses. Way to bring the world down, crazy man.
I hope when he drives into the ditch, there is fire involved. But then, I’m an angry person.
That is so crazy! For all he knows, you could’ve had a gun! That would’ve served him right for getting out of his car to berrate you!
You could’ve told him that the cops were after you because you just killed and ate his family.
I’m not nice.
Hahaha, I am so confused. This person randomly just stopped you? That’s so dumb.
Also, am I stupid, but what is NEPA?
eek! this reminds me of a time when I was waiting to turn right on red and my bumper was literally maybe 1/2 inch over the crosswalk lines. this old man starts crossing the street, stops in front of my car, and begins hitting my hood with his cane … then comes around to my window and yells at me for being ever-so-slightly over the line. at that point, well, I couldn’t back up, so I just stared straight ahead. I think I was still in shock when the light turned green. apparently, Universe: 2, Shaba and Andi: 0. FAIL.
happy Friday. : )