I have never been the sort of personality that hides behind a fake smile- I never was much of a poker player either- the glee or gall of my hand would be written all over my face. My brothers and Dad took full advantage of my meager coinage.
Is it so hard to believe in a fellow traveler...that we don't all have some kind of hidden agenda, just at the ready to pounce on a kind soul? I think people do mistake kindness at times for weakness...although it's not the worst thing in the world to be underestimated.
Sometimes, when I get my back up- I speak quick and hard to certain reptilian personalities. Not to reprimand them, but to make them think, OK...maybe sometimes I do correct, but with good intentions. Like yesterday for instance, after trying to make my exit from a local gas station. I held the door for a kindly old man; My- the smile he gave me...it was like an embrace from a ray of sunshine! Standing there in that glow, another able bodied couple walked in- no problem, I was still basking. Then a younger fellow grabbed the door, bustled in through the couple, knocking into the old man. And then spoke none too kindly to the group at hand. I am a mother. Children grown, but that kind of behavior might make me grab an ear or two and haul their little rumps front and center and call them on it.
Anyway- I put a headlock of words on the young asshole, 'scuse my French. Not many syllables were needed, just this-
"Shame on you."
I won't credit him one bit with what his lack of brain power mumbled.
I stood hard and fast, echoing my original statement.
"Shame on you."
By Jesus I must have put the fear of God in him...or maybe it was the trucker dude behind me, backing me up. (Ain't it great when people do get involved, not by force but merely stance?!)
I do believe the misguided kid was actually shamed, maybe sorry even...not by what I said but by the fact that all eyes were upon him, no cursing was directed at him...just folks holding him accountable for HIS actions.
Anyway, small victories on the part of good manners is worth a chunk of chocolate. Which I bought. And ate. It tasted sweeter somehow...
Take care-
11 comments:
Ahh! You may not be able to teach manners, but you can certainly teach a lesson!
Jane
i LOVE that you did that darlin. a simple shame on you. i just adore you, no matter how too long i am adrift in distant sea. lordy, what keeps me so busy i can't wander over to visit the beloved amazing truest wonder??? hey honey, you are gorgeous as ever. xoxoxoxo
I'll bet he'll think before he mindlessly offends again. At least he had the conscience to feel shame when he realized all eyes were upon him. I can imagine that the chocolate DID indeed taste sweeter! You go girl!
Shame on you.....love it!!!! Sometimes my mouth spills over too. Thanks stopping by my blog yesterday...I can see from yours we have a lot in common.
xoxoxoxo
Little Messy Missy
Well here's what I say, "Good for you!!!". Some people are just stupid, there's no other word for it. I purposely go to the store during peak times to run into older people. Isn't is wonderful how just a simple smile from us can make their day? I just always think, what if that was my grandpa/grandma, how would I want others to treat them? I'd like to think a lot of that was instilled by you.
Good for you. Kids want to know where the line is and what happens when they cross that line. I bet he's never been spoken to like that before and I bet he won't forget it.
Shame on you. I think it means that one cares enough to say- "look at what you're doing, see what you have done, open your eyes." But I also think it can be used very recklessly, I did not want to shame that young man...I wanted him to be aware of what he had done, how he had missed an opportunity to be kind. I think when you say those words out of love and concern, no illusions- you act as a mirror and reflect for the ashamed to see. Oh well, that's just what I think...(He cussed me first remember...I floated it out again, this time firmer. I knew he knew better, I just knew it. He became meek and I was thankful...I don't know how far I would have taken it, probably all the way- you're right Robin, that kid needed someone to show him the way that day, he really did.)
Bam...always so kind you are, need to come and visit. Pullupachair, yessirree!
A couple of words that made a big impact - much like some of the best sermons are the short ones with few words: Short and to the point and easier to remember. :-)
Miss you in central IL - and missing your garlic blossoms and Mason jars of flowers. And definitely missing the BluCat and some delectable chicken salad.
Here Here!
Sometimes it takes a strong willed person to point out the “shame on you” moments. So much apathy in the world.
Never turning a blind eye may suggest that you have both of yours open at all times…Your perspective may be brighter as a result. Instead of one trucker, I wish society had your back at all times. Inspirational post.
Colorado!,
May I say, I love sounding like John Wayne by saying your calling name...
AND-
between you and me, and all in between...most generally I get a swift kick in the teeth, but my molars are strong buddy!
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