01.30.10

Listen and Learn

Posted in Humor~General at 3:35 am by Dr. Trina Hess

We all know that people who drive too slowly in front of us are idiots. And people who drive too close behind us are maniacs. It’s all a matter of perspective. When we really listen, we can see ourselves reflected in other’s behaviors.
Today I got my glasses adjusted. And my attitude. I saw what I may look like when I’m in a hurry.
Today I wasn’t. But the loud woman in the big fur coat was.
You know the type. While the technician was on the phone, this woman knocked on the counter. Yes, knocked. And then she started to explain her problem (with her glasses; I’m sure she didn’t notice her other behavioral problems) while the technician was on the phone. Yes, on the phone.
I’m sure we’ve all witnessed this type of customer. You know, the person who makes you embarrassed to be an American and glad that no other foreigners were in the mall to think you behave like this woman does. So as I waited my turn, pretending I was Canadian, I just listened.
Because when we’re the irate person, we can’t listen. We can’t hear anyone else’s perspective. We just want our needs met. We want our glasses fixed. Now. And we will pound on the counter.
Humor trains us to be observant. To really hear what’s going on. To listen. And learn.

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