I used to say it was stupidity. But I was wrong.
It’s douchebaggery. It’s treating others like crap. It’s jumping all over someone without hearing them.
This is borne of my experience at Hannaford yesterday. It was pretty packed, but I finished shopping, found the most reasonable line, and got in it.
With a cart, mind you. And not close to anyone, because as you may know by now, I hate people.
So the guy in front of me turns around and says something. It was lengthy. He was both masked and bearded, and he was soft-spoken. So of course, to me he sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher.
I said, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
In a huff, he responded, “Can you move? You’re not social distancing. You know, social distancing? You’re not 6′ away. There IS still a pandemic, you know.”
News flash, I was 6′ and then some, but I was certainly willing to back up more. But at that moment, another cashier opened up, walked over, and invited him to her line (she was much closer than I was), so before I could respond in any way, he walked away, shaking his head in disgust.
I’m sorry that this bothered me way more than it should have. People who know me, know I’m an enpath, and compassionate, and would have moved for his comfort. Ok, he doesn’t know me, but dammit, you didn’t give me half a chance. You jumped all over me like self-righteous prick, as if I’d insulted you and called you a snowflake or purposely got in your face.
I very simply did not hear you. You didn’t hear me, either, but you never gave me a chance.
We’re actually on the same side. I don’t know if someone did get in your face before, and that’s why you behaved like a defensive prick. I’m sorry.
But we’re in this together, and the smallest communication could make a difference.
I just ask to think before you blast your mouth. Listen to others. Be fair.
Treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s the golden rule across all religions and etiquette.
azbaelus 