Living in the world today

Hi @pvctom2021 Encounters like that can sure leave you rattled, can’t they? I’ve had a few myself over the past few years and for the life of me, I can’t imagine doing that to someone! I think when you’re a nice person, rude behavior is so contrary to your own thought patterns that you can’t fathom why someone would say something hurtful to you or anyone else. This was on her! You did nothing wrong. Obviously the woman has her personal issues and is projecting them onto you.

My most recent run in with a person actually left me laughing. It was so absurd. I was in a grocery store with my husband. We split up so that I could go grab something in another part of the store. As I was walking briskly, there was an older woman (not judging, I’m 70) walking in my direction. As she got closer, I smiled and she blurted out: “Oh for god’s sake, take that damned mask off. I’m so tired of looking at you!”

First, I’d never seen this woman before and I had a bone marrow transplant so I don’t have the luxury of going maskless in crowded environments. I just laughed at her because I was stunned that she’d say that to me. Then I wished her a very pleasant day. But it really kind of bugged me!! I was minding my own business and she intruded on my happy day.

I’m sorry this happened to you. But I’m going to tell you what I’ve told my daughter all her life…she’s now 40 and still uses this guide. “What other people think about you is none of your business.” ☺️.
Thank you for sharing this bizarre encounter and I really hope you can let this one roll off your back. And I agree, it’s time to do away with self checkouts!

Hi @pvctom2021 Encounters like that can sure leave you rattled, can’t they? I’ve had a few myself over the past few years and for the life of me, I can’t imagine doing that to someone! I think when you’re a nice person, rude behavior is so contrary to your own thought patterns that you can’t fathom why someone would say something hurtful to you or anyone else. This was on her! You did nothing wrong. Obviously the woman has her personal issues and is projecting them onto you.

My most recent run in with a person actually left me laughing. It was so absurd. I was in a grocery store with my husband. We split up so that I could go grab something in another part of the store. As I was walking briskly, there was an older woman (not judging, I’m 70) walking in my direction. As she got closer, I smiled and she blurted out: “Oh for god’s sake, take that damned mask off. I’m so tired of looking at you!”

First, I’d never seen this woman before and I had a bone marrow transplant so I don’t have the luxury of going maskless in crowded environments. I just laughed at her because I was stunned that she’d say that to me. Then I wished her a very pleasant day. But it really kind of bugged me!! I was minding my own business and she intruded on my happy day.

I’m sorry this happened to you. But I’m going to tell you what I’ve told my daughter all her life…she’s now 40 and still uses this guide. “What other people think about you is none of your business.” ☺️.
Thank you for sharing this bizarre encounter and I really hope you can let this one roll off your back. And I agree, it’s time to do away with self checkouts!

Many years ago, a smart friend told me: "if someone says 'you' and it makes no sense, try it as an I-statement from them. You can try it here, as if the woman was really saying "I'm so tired of being upset and annoyed and judgmental!' " But of course she was beyond rude and inconsiderate, and I'm glad you laughed. Many years ago my dad was buying cheap caviar for New Year's Eve with my mom and a lady commented on how it was bad caviar. "Oh, just for my cats," he retorted. He was so SO pleased with himself. But I have to remind myself a snappy answer isn't always my best course!

Sorry about your bad experience. Kindness goes a long way. I remember years ago in Walmart, an older couple was walking very slowly after checkout. I’m pretty patient with people and honestly thought she told me to go around them. So I said thank you and walked by them. Then she started talking loudly to her husband so I and everyone could hear that young people (I was 54) are so impatient and rude and someday they’ll know what it’s like to be old. I felt like turning around and telling her I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer that day and she should be thankful she was lucky enough to get old because not everyone is. But I didn’t and just walked out pretending I didn’t hear her. Had she been nicer I would have apologized for the misunderstanding. All that for just casually walking around them. She was just a bitter person.

Many years ago, a smart friend told me: "if someone says 'you' and it makes no sense, try it as an I-statement from them. You can try it here, as if the woman was really saying "I'm so tired of being upset and annoyed and judgmental!' " But of course she was beyond rude and inconsiderate, and I'm glad you laughed. Many years ago my dad was buying cheap caviar for New Year's Eve with my mom and a lady commented on how it was bad caviar. "Oh, just for my cats," he retorted. He was so SO pleased with himself. But I have to remind myself a snappy answer isn't always my best course!

Easy explanation: The world has gone mad.

Once you accept that, it all makes sense.

I recently chided a young woman (20s) for parking in a handicap space (I am disabled myself) and her response was a volcanic explosion of obscenities directed at me, then threatened to call the police, saying I was "threatening" her.

Yeesh, what a psycho. And hardly unique. A couple of months ago, my wife and I saw a woman turn her dog loose in some guy's yard. When he came out of his house, she started screaming at him as though *he* had done something wrong.

As I said, the world has gone mad.