I agree with you. I have had similar experiences to yours and I don’t like confrontation and as you stated, I don’t know what someone else has gone through so I just usually say nothing. My girls have stated similar things as your beautiful daughter that people “walk all over me” but I just prefer peace.
I’m with you. I definitely always choose peace because like you said, in a situation like that there is nothing to be gained from making a fuss. I just wish more people would look at the world that way!
My sister talked about me "turning the other cheek" too. Truly, I'm just a simple tree hugger who wishes to spread peace. I can pop like a cork in anger too! I just like myself better when I choose peace. Thank you for reading my piece!
I was with Megan browsing some shops in old Ellicott City’s Main Street. We were having a delightful time. We happened to enter a store that contained all sorts of different candies and baubles. Megan was excited at all the brilliant colors and I was excited for her. As we were peering at an item on a shelf, a man came swooping over, reached out a long, bare arm, and, while talking to another customer, grabbed an item off the shelf directly in front of us! Without so much as an “excuse me”. Megan and I were quite surprised at his intrusion! I went over to ask him a question after he finished up with the customer, and, instead of giving us the same undivided attention as the last customer, he was very abrupt and dismissive. Now… I could’ve easily confronted him on his very poor manners and I professionalism, but, I chose to show Megs that conflict doesn’t always have to end in a debate or shouting match. Instead, we walked out, never to return. Secretly, though, the fighter in me wishes I would’ve given him a verbal tongue lashing and a lesson in how not to treat his customers! 🙃
Isn't it such a hard thing, to know our "children" (young women) are watching us, and we want to set a good example, and yet, you knew that that man had treated you poorly! Ah, there is a fighter in me too. I believe the two can co-exist: The Peacemaker and The Fighter. Of course, the part that you see in the power of "never returning" is something learned over time, isn't it? As women, when do we speak up, when do we walk away? Every situation of conflict, injustice, is an evaluation of these two actions it seems. Thank you so much for posting your story here!
That is a wonderful story, Mary, and I think you responded exactly right. I find that often a calm, apologetic response can help the other person step back as well (though sorry in your case that that didn't happen).
Ahh, stepping back as well...yes, I was hoping for that. Perhaps, I made an impact on someone else who heard the exchange? One never knows. Thank you for reading my piece and for responding.
I agree with you. I have had similar experiences to yours and I don’t like confrontation and as you stated, I don’t know what someone else has gone through so I just usually say nothing. My girls have stated similar things as your beautiful daughter that people “walk all over me” but I just prefer peace.
I love that, Sheri, "I just prefer peace." This is so, so powerful!! Thank you.
I’m with you. I definitely always choose peace because like you said, in a situation like that there is nothing to be gained from making a fuss. I just wish more people would look at the world that way!
I noticed in today's (Oct. 7) "Notes" that you wrote a piece about choosing peace. Glad to see that it is being celebrated.
Well said, Susi. Yes, I too wish more people chose peace. One person at a time, I suppose. Thank you for reading my piece!
You turned the other cheek and were the better person!
My sister talked about me "turning the other cheek" too. Truly, I'm just a simple tree hugger who wishes to spread peace. I can pop like a cork in anger too! I just like myself better when I choose peace. Thank you for reading my piece!
'I just chose peace.'
Hugs to you, Mary. Epic post. xxx
Rebecca, thank you! I really appreciate your reading my piece and reaction.
I was with Megan browsing some shops in old Ellicott City’s Main Street. We were having a delightful time. We happened to enter a store that contained all sorts of different candies and baubles. Megan was excited at all the brilliant colors and I was excited for her. As we were peering at an item on a shelf, a man came swooping over, reached out a long, bare arm, and, while talking to another customer, grabbed an item off the shelf directly in front of us! Without so much as an “excuse me”. Megan and I were quite surprised at his intrusion! I went over to ask him a question after he finished up with the customer, and, instead of giving us the same undivided attention as the last customer, he was very abrupt and dismissive. Now… I could’ve easily confronted him on his very poor manners and I professionalism, but, I chose to show Megs that conflict doesn’t always have to end in a debate or shouting match. Instead, we walked out, never to return. Secretly, though, the fighter in me wishes I would’ve given him a verbal tongue lashing and a lesson in how not to treat his customers! 🙃
Isn't it such a hard thing, to know our "children" (young women) are watching us, and we want to set a good example, and yet, you knew that that man had treated you poorly! Ah, there is a fighter in me too. I believe the two can co-exist: The Peacemaker and The Fighter. Of course, the part that you see in the power of "never returning" is something learned over time, isn't it? As women, when do we speak up, when do we walk away? Every situation of conflict, injustice, is an evaluation of these two actions it seems. Thank you so much for posting your story here!
That is a wonderful story, Mary, and I think you responded exactly right. I find that often a calm, apologetic response can help the other person step back as well (though sorry in your case that that didn't happen).
Ahh, stepping back as well...yes, I was hoping for that. Perhaps, I made an impact on someone else who heard the exchange? One never knows. Thank you for reading my piece and for responding.
Peace and Love are the best ways, and at times take strength. Thank-you for Being Peace, Mary. Enjoy this gift of today. 🍁