A Taste of My Own Medicine

We are all guilty of it. It is rude, disrespectful, bias, yet we can not help ourselves but do it. Everyone does it, one way or another, at one point in their lives-and dare I say day-or another. It is passing judgment, making fun of someone, snickering, creating a connection with other people sharing knowing glaces, grins, and smirks. Someone says something or does something, and we are all almost always thinking the same thing. We all do it, yet we all can't believe it when we are a victim of it. We feel betrayed by people we don't even know, ostracised by those we wouldn't even want to be connected with.

This afternoon, I experienced this, although I am unsure if it was firsthand, or a type of contact experience I had simply because I was sitting close enough to someone who I am sure hears the snickers, sees the glares, and shrinks a little more each day due his encounters with simply rude and judgemental people.

As I said before, we all do this, and despite my best intentions and what this blog entry says today, I am sure I will do it again.

There are a few people I am acquainted with that are very close with one and other, and seem to have the nonverbal cues down pat. They can converse with one and other practically without even looking at each other. Today, I felt as if they were openly judging me. Although, it could have just been a paranoid induced coincidence, they could have simply been whispering, exchanging glances, and stifling giggles at the exact moments I was speaking. Nonetheless, they also were entertained at the expense of this other person, the one who experiences this probably every day of their life. This person endures criticism, ostracism, and seems to feel a lack of confidence because of it, yet tries hard no to show it, or self-handicap by offering explanations that most people would use as ammunition.

I heard the explanation not too long ago, and I no longer look at this person differently out of pity, but simply because as a human being we all deserve, at the very least, a chance. Pass judgement if you like, after you know the story, the background of someone. At least give them that chance.

We all have encounters in our lives that result it us feeling like the other person, encounters that teach us a lesson about our own behavior. We can't change our taunting ways until we experience our actions ourselves. So, the best thing to do is learn from these, take each encounter as a lesson. Don't stop believing in change and in each other.

The Plan of a 16 Year Old

This afternoon, at the salon, a tall and slender young man came in, interested in a walk-in appointment. I have cut his hair before, and knew what a respectful young man he is, so I volunteered to cut it for him.

This young man, and I say young man instead of boy because he truly is responsible enough to be considered a man. He is more responsible than some of the adult men I know. This person has a plan for the future, is already considering saving money for his retirement and his unborn children; already understands the high you get from buying your own items, like a car; the importance of a good education, and the steps necessary to reach his highly ambitious goals. (Some goals, let's be honest, that other hold are truly lacking ambition.)

After he left, I had mentioned to my boss and her client that had there been more young men like him when I was in high school, I may have made better decisions. Simply being in the presence of someone who is that young yet that wise really gives hope for the future. I hope his parents are proud of him, and I know he realizes his potential, which is a gift in itself.