I read this post over at Picklebums recently and it's played at the edges of my mind ever since.
Like everyone I'm guilty of passing snap judgements based on all sorts of factors. Like many I try not to. Sometimes those judgements are spot on, often they're a case of being a product of my upbringing and the society I live in.
Recently I seem to have attracted the ire of drivers in carparks somewhat regularly. Even when I only have two kids out with me it takes a while to load them, groceries, and my seriously awesome double pram into my people mover. Apparently for some people it takes far too long, especially if they are waiting for my car park. Because I'm not a fan of confrontation and despite the fact that it makes me scream obscenities on the inside, I've taken to not making eye contact and calmly hopping in the car to pull out my phone and chat on Twitter or play a few games until the honking stops and they bugger off. Hey that's just how I roll.
So anyway a couple of days ago I noticed an elderly gentleman parked in the handicapped spot next to my bus as I wandered up with the small two in the pram. He was staring at me as I started unloading my bags and the kids and I was feeling very nervous about accidentally knocking into his car. Having finished loading up I was walking around to hop in as he wound down his window.
"You did that very well." he said. And went on to tell me about how he and his wife had four children, and that she would have loved a pram like mine as it would have made her life so much easier. He also commented on the sliding doors on the bus and how lucky I am to have these things as a parent.
It was lovely to hear, and he was a lovely man. And as I drove off I thought about the snap judgement I'd made based on previous experiences and was reminded that every person and every situation is different.
In other news, I'm not at the Aussie Bloggers Conference. If you aren't either (or even if you are and are still blogging this weekend) pop a comment and a link in the comments, let's share the Aus Blog Con pity party love ;)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
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Ohai! I'm Kate. I say stuff.
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OOhh, this gets me revved up too Kate. When the person waiting for your spot can clearly see you have a couple of kids, shopping and a pram to load and they stare at you with that "could you go any slower?" look.... gets my blood boiling, especially if there are plenty of spaces an extra 30 seconds walk away! Good on the guy for giving you the compliment, maybe it was Karma for not hitting his car (LOL!) xxx
ReplyDeleteThis happens to me too, and I feel so pressured to hurry faster and then realise that I don't have to let them affect me. And yes, snap judgements so easy to do.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a blog needs to be written about this awesome double pram?
Skyelee LOL!!
ReplyDeleteDeb in fact I think it does! One for this week I reckon. Seriously I've 'sold' them to at least 2 friends, wonder when I can expect my commission? ;p
I love this post Kate. Am so glad to have found your blog, courtesy of us both being non-attendees of the Aus Bloggers Conference. I too am often quick to judge. I do love it when people prove my preconceptions wrong and restore faith in the world being mostly made up of good hearted people.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post Kate :) Now nice is it when someone make a kind comment out IRL. Often seems to be the elderly who take the time to actually be nice. I notice elderly ladies often stop and talk to me in the supermarket. Following along now. Cazxx
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