Holiday Stress - 9 days to go...

I had a one-to-one at the Apple Store yesterday and, en route, experienced road rage - some guy got mad at me - I think he thought I was going to cut him off, but I did not, and he honked and honked and then someone threw something out of their car at me - it was really weird. This was in the parking lot at the shopping center.

How much stress was this guy under? Was his holiday shopping THAT urgent that he would act this way? Did he really need medication for his anger?

When I got to the apple store, I heard stories of customers "going off" on the Apple staff. Calling them names and demanding this or that. 'Tis the season, I guess, but something is seriously wrong if that is what the holidays bring.

We all have our moments of acting out or acting in ways we should not but there is no reason to treat others with disrespect. I am pretty bothered by it all. I have to venture back to the apple store this morning, and I will twice as cautious as I circle the parking lot looking for that elusive parking space

Here is to your peaceful and stress-free Sunday, and if you go out, be extra nice to the people who work in retail and have to deal with a lot of anger during this time of year.

Cynthia

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Cynthia McKenna Counseling
CounselingBlog

Comments

[Dina at Wordfeeder.com]

Hi Cynthia,

I'm sorry to hear you encountered those bad apples on your journey to the Apple Store. Even so... you tell stories in such a funny way! I love this about your blog.

I'm in a "less congested" part of my state now, but I remember similar incidents when I lived closer to the city.

For example, the year I was trucking home with a car full of party goods, food and booze, when I got rear-ended by someone whose car was smashed by an old drunken lady who "didn't see the stop light."

I actually could "feel" the rage on the road that day, just before getting off at an exit (in an attempt to dodge a possible accident) and ironically, getting hit at the light!

Ah, the holidays. So full of cheer.

[Heidi]

My husband gets all grouchy in the crowded Christmas shopping congestion. Before too long he is cussing out the other drivers, esp. when they do stupid things or block traffic. I can just see his blood pressure go up.

He doesn't understand why I don't get all mad and upset too. I find shopping much more enjoyable by being courteous to the other drivers, holding doors open for those with their arms full. Something as simple as seeing how many smiles I can collect from perfect strangers.

But then I avoid the worst congestion too by shopping during less crowded times.