I went to Walmart today. Why... why would I EVER do such a thing, you may ask? *sigh* I had a whole lot of toiletries to buy and it's close by and it would save me so cash so I did it alright. I did! And I regretted it as soon as I realized ALL the shopping carts were broken somehow.
Standing behind me while checking out was the absolute WORST and I mean the WORST type of people: vile, loud, mean, rude for no reason, and all in front of their toddlers who were of course screaming for attention. The cashier was an older woman whom you could tell was in physical pain trying to get through the day in one piece. Right before scanning my sutff, she turned off her light and put up her "register closed" sign.
These people behind me went INSANE screaming the most God-awful things never ONCE asking this nice old lady if she could check them out beause they've been standing in line for about 20 minutes behind me. I turned around and glared at them trying desperately to understand what would possess someone to do that before even asking for help.
I thought about telling these girls a thing or two and then quickly decided to talk to the cashier instead. I told her to be patient and to enjoy her break. I tried to send her all the good vibes and goodness that could possibly be sent to her. I figure giving her the love would be a whole lot more efficient that arguing with the chaos behind me.
That was draining. I don't EVER want to be the person that - even inadvertently - chooses hatred over kindness. What a sad life.
{pictures via weheartit}
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I see this all day long. I have to deal with truck drivers who have driven long distances with poor directions and then find out their load isn't ready. We have had people in my job that would yell at them and treat them like second class citizens. I always remain calm and treat them with respect. My attitude improves their attitude. It has really disarmed a lot of situations. Just goes to show you that "Mean People Suck".
People are evil and vile. And someone like you or me should be able to send those kind to a place far, far away to live together so that people like us can live in peace.
Unfortunately we can't choose other people's attitudes, just our own. But really, if we all could just do our little bit here and there (random acts of kindness etc.) it would all add up to making this crazy world a better place.
I often wish that people could put themselves in another's shoes in these situations, try to understand where that person is coming from and what's driving them to act a certain way. You obviously noticed that the poor woman at the cash was having a hard time, I wonder if anyone else during the day did or cared. I'm sure she'll remember you for that.
This was a wonderful daily reminder Cindy, and another demonstration of your compassion that I love so much and keeps me hanging around.
yup ! can very well understand the situation. Even I try to be cool and calm with my coworkers, although few of them are really irritating.
I understand completely. As much as I hate going to Walmart, I do it only for the low prices. I cringe just thinking about going, and it all starts with the overcrowded parking lot. Middle of the day in the middle of the week when most people are at work, and you can't get a space within 2 miles of the front entrance. As for the customers, what you see is what you get. I commend you for your kindness towards the cashier. I'm sure she appreciated it.
Oh my gosh- thank you so much. I feel the exact same way. Even though the store saves us so much money- I will do everything I can not to go in there for all of the reasons you've mentioned.
The difference is of course you are a much nicer person than I. I have been know to turn around and say "Seriously, just seriously?"
UGHHHHHHHH. I can't stand seeing things like that. I'm glad you talked to her... I'm sure you made her feel a million times better!
Shane... It sucks and mean people suck BIG TIME!
Jules... we can all dream, can't we? :)
Barry... I tried to make the best of it and then realized we deal with these things ALL the time. I guess I'm paying more attention nowadays.
GirlNextDoor... I work from home so I don't deal with office pests, but I did for a LONG time and I feel your pain.
Matty... it was TOTALLY middle of the day when you'd think there would be no one there. Go figure!
Zoe... I was soooooooooooo close to causing a scene. I really was - and then I realized I wouldn't be changing anything. It's not like they would go home and think about what I said. So, I opted for tightly biting my lip and talking to the nice lady. But it was tough!
LiLU... I hope so too!!!
xoxo
People are just rotten and especially so at Walmart. I don't understand it. Having worked in retail, I can totally feel for that cashier. I once had this lady scream at me for not taking her next even though she got into my line from the wrong side, in front of everyone else who filed in the right way.
She's fixing the world - One sweet smile at a Time. For sometimes more can be conveyed without even a word spoken.
In today's society we often don't think, we just instinctively react to a negative or awkward situation, in like kind. But to have the forethought to consider that in doing so, we are just allowing ourselves to sub-come thereby adding to the stress of an already upsetting and sometimes painful problem. Our words; can cut like a knife or heal like a calming salve.. we choose.
Great choice, Cindy :)
Hey Cindy, This was my first visit ... my hubby Barry is a follower. We just popped into Walmart the other day ... I thought it might be better ... it wasn't. But I read several posts and it's great to see someone with such a positive attitude. And knowing that you're not perfect and willing to make an effort to make yourself, and your world, a better place. I try. Don't always succeed, but it's a process. Keep up the great writing .. I'll be following along.
Sandy
I never understand why some people feel the need to be mean spirited. Life is just too short to constantly be walking around with a chip on your shoulder. A little empathy can get you a long way in life.
It's sad to see how badly people behave when a little bit of patience and kindness would make life for all of us so much more agreeable..