Monday, March 16, 2020

Assume Positive Intent (76)

We get our feathers ruffled. We jump to conclusions. Mistrust. Get angry because something rubbed us the wrong way. Everyone does. Some people are really good at hiding their disdain and frustration. Some people have to vent and do so immediately- loudly- publicly. Make a spectacle. Its embarrassing.

I am watching a woman pitch a total fit because her coffee is not hot enough. Her face is red, as she raises her voice. The coffee shop is forced into a silence. The scene is too good to ignore. The vibe once chill and almost whimsical is now fraught with the screeching voice of her. Its unnerving.

Cups on table. Eyes fixed. We stare. She doesn't noticed the hush. Only the frightened face of a pimply, barista unsure of how to respond. This is not a chain, but a mom and pop. There is no procedural dialogue to rely on here. He just tries to fake a smile and says "I will remake it for you, what did you have?"

She gets more infuriated. "How do you not know what I have. You made it for Christ's sake?" Now let me pause here.

He made about ten drinks after he made hers. He did not take her order. He had just switched places with another barista. So this question was ridiculous. Busy coffee shop- loudness, to stillness. She is still the only voice heard. She doesn't notice our disdain.

"Fine, just make me a ....." I have no idea what her drink was. I tuned her out then. The word fine- means resolution. Voices picked up. Barista's began to make drinks again. The flow of energy slowly transformed from hostile- shock to relaxing weekend.

Assume positive intent. Most people are kind. They are mindful. They are generous and forgiving. But every now and again we have to be reminded that they are out there among us too- the venter's who drink venti's and ventilate hostility.

It is our job to ignore them.

But sometimes, we are caught in their quagmire for a moment or two.

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