I remember a woman snapping at me in the small Tesco store that I used to frequent. It was at the time when the convid debacle was just kicking off. Wall to wall fear porn made people very nervous as we were all led to believe that the world was going to end as we know it.
I was in the queue for the checkouts, and as we shuffled forwards I thought I might pick up a bottle of beer from the shelf on the right hand side. I studied the labels, peering closely, now which one shall I buy.
The woman in front of me turned round and glared. She looked straight at me. These words came from her lips. "They are there for a reason you know" I was confused. She looked down and pointed to the arrows on the floor.
Oh, then I realised what she meant. I had moved towards the shelf to look at the beer. I didn't want to lose my place in the queue, so I tried to make a quick choice, not noticing that I had moved into her space. I stepped back and abandoned the idea of buying beer.
I never went back to that shop, thinking that I don't want to meet up with rude people again. That's when I started going to Aldi at 9pm. This made shopping a lot easier.
So, this incident has been playing on my mind. What makes people so aggressive? I suppose the woman could have something going on in her life which brings out the worst in her personality. She could be having issues with relationships going wrong. Or maybe a death in the family. Or maybe just lost a pet. Or maybe lost her job. Or perhaps she believed that everyone was about to become very seriously ill and possibly die.
She didn't stop to think that maybe I might be a bit worried about something in my life, or I might have made a mistake absentmindedly, by moving too far forward. Her lashing out was taking out her fear and frustrations on me. I couldn't possibly know what was irking her, so I have forgiven her for misreading the situation. I wonder if she forgives me for encroaching into her space. Several years later, perhaps she now knows that maybe she was a bit hasty.
None of us knows what is going on in each others lives. To pretend you do is folly. So many questions and not many answers. The keyboard is a perfect tool to lash out with, and download our frustrations onto someone else.
The garden calls me. Enjoy your day. Toodle pip. ilona
I totally agree Ilona. It seems that the Plandemic brought out the little Hitler in people and they have remained the same ever since. No manners in shops, pushing and shoving, doctors receptionists barking on the phone. Maybe it was something in the jabs?
ReplyDeleteWell something happened to infiltrate the human brain. I don't think it's ever going to recover.
DeleteI noticed people have got a lot ruder now. I think a lot of people regret their decision to take the jab and are taking it out on others.
DeleteI remember one of my neighbours almost going into orbit during the pandemic when I momentarily leant towards him whilst standing the obligatory 6 feet apart. People were frightened. Some people were very frightened. Some of them acted like idiots. Some of them are still acting like idiots simply because they found that they could get away with it!
ReplyDeleteFeelings run deep. Plant a seed and wait to see what happens next. Eruptions as the seed forces it's way through it's dark tomb in a frenzy of panicky growth, or it lies dormant for a while until such time that the road less travelled is more attractive.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is on hold until such time that I can decipher the new modern AI language.
DeleteStill thinking about it. Do I publish then retaliate with my response? Or do I squash it flat and discard in the rubbish bin? After seeing what happens on other blogs it seems that to reply only encourages more dross to appear. Trolls like to stretch things out, it gives them a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging, like they are really important. When in truth they are just sad individuals who have messed up their own lives. Mind you, the way this troll comment is worded makes me think that it could be AI generated. In which case, if it is, it's pointless to start a conversation with a robot.
DeleteWhat fantastic photos of your garden friends. 🦔 We are slaves here to our inside dog and 2 inside/outside cats. They all love playing together outside. We make sure the kitties are in the garage every night. They live the best life lol. I absolutely loved your blog series on your last trip. You were able to see so much on that trip. I think all of your artwork is gorgeous. I wish you would sale across the pond lol I would so enjoy having your work hanging in my home. Take care mother!!!!!! ❤️😊😊
ReplyDeleteThank you Tammy. This warm weather is great for animals and the garden at the moment. Although, if it doesn't rain there is watering up to do in the evenings to ensure the plants don't wither and die. And replenish the water bowls so the animals can drink and bathe.
DeleteI’d love to know why you deleted the comment from anonymous.
ReplyDeleteDoes this person have different opinions to you?
For all I know, you may be the person who sent it. It wasn't about different opinions. It was from someone who is very bitter about the current situation. They find themselves on the wrong side and will take a swipe at anyone who has their life sorted. I happen to be a convenient punch bag. They would do well to get themselves some counselling.
DeleteIf I live to be a hundred I will never forget my daughter and granddaughter visiting at the start of covid. The 6yr old was told to not enter our living room only the conservatory and the garden. She came to the living room door and I invited her in to watch TV with me
ReplyDeleteShe said Granny if I come in you will die. I could kill you.
The look of terror on that child's face will stay with me forever
Sally from Devon
It was unforgivable what was forced on us - I was one of the sheep who believed what I was forcefully instructed to do - It has left lasting damage to me and my dogs - in one way or another - I feel so very stupid now - My Dad always told me not to be So trusting x
ReplyDelete