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We Could All Use a Little More Patience with Each Other
Last week, I witnessed a truck breeze through a red light. Thankfully, no other vehicles were in the intersection, so the truck sailed through without incident. It was a jarring moment, but clearly a mistake — the truck had out-of-state plates, the driver wasn’t speeding, and judging by the way he tapped the brakes right after the light, he clearly had an “Oh no, I can’t believe I just did that” moment. He likely felt shaken up or at least annoyed with himself for being so distracted.
The woman in the car in front of me, who also saw the event, looked like she might explode. She flailed her arms angrily and practically leaned out of her window, gesturing wildly at the truck, even though it was already fading into the distance. For the rest of the time we waited at the light, she continued to rant — in her car — all by herself. I couldn’t help but wonder, if she was that furious in this moment, what must she be like day-to-day? Does she live her life in a constant state of agitation?
Yes, the truck ran a red light, and if another car had been coming, it could’ve ended badly. But accidents happen — that’s why they’re called accidents! Rarely does anyone intentionally say, “Hey! I think I’ll do something reckless that’ll annoy a bunch of strangers today!”
Witnessing the ranting lady made me reflect on the rudeness and impatience I often encounter. As a writer, I lay bare my parenting struggles in hopes that my experiences resonate with others. For every “me too!” I receive, there seems to be a counterpoint: “This was a waste of my time.” “You shouldn’t even be a parent.” “I’d never be that foolish.”
I see it every day, whether it’s an impatient sigh from a customer when a cashier takes too long or a server getting scolded over a minor mistake in their order. It’s etched on the faces of drivers who tailgate slower vehicles.
What does all this negativity achieve? Absolutely nothing. Getting angry won’t change your sandwich order, speed up the line at the grocery store, or improve anyone’s driving. It only spreads unhappiness and ruins moments — yours and possibly others’. We have a limited number of moments; why waste them on frustration over things we can’t control? Why inflict that on someone else?
I’m not suggesting I’m immune to irritability. I don’t float through life on a cloud of positivity. But when I feel that irritation rising, I consciously practice compassion. I try to see things from the other person’s perspective and give them the benefit of the doubt. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential.
Let’s give each other a break. Everyone — you, me, your doctor, your barista, your cashier — is just human. We all falter sometimes, and we don’t know what someone else might be going through. Yes, their moment of lapse may inconvenience us, but remember: you’ve been an inconvenience to someone else, and you will be again. When you’re the one making a mistake, wouldn’t you prefer compassion over frustration?
Since my kids were little, I’ve encouraged them to pause and think of three words: “help or hurt?” Will their reaction improve the situation, or just hurt someone’s feelings? If it won’t help, they should let it go, like Princess Elsa would say. The world could use more empathy and kindness. It’s a lesson mothers have taught since forever: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
And speaking of opinions, if you think this was the “worst article ever” or “five minutes of your life you’ll never get back,” that’s perfectly valid — you’re entitled to your thoughts. But just keep them to yourself and keep scrolling.
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In conclusion, let’s strive to cut each other some slack. The world could use a little more understanding and a lot less anger.