Day 318
I messed up. I
admit it.
I wrote down two instead of three and arrive an hour early
for a scheduled cookie decorating class I am meant to lead. Because I need to grab my kids off the
bus at four, I can’t fix the mistake.
I do the only thing I can. I call the activities director to apologize.
“I’m so, so sorry,” I start. “This was completely my fault.”
“Yes, it was,” she huffs back. “It’s completely unacceptable.”
“I agree.” This
sets her back a bit.
“Absolutely unacceptable,” she says again. Again, I agree. It’s hard to yell at someone
who’s agreeing with you.
I don’t tell her that I’m disappointed, too. I don’t tell her I’ve spent hours
baking and mixing icings, gathering sprinkles and copying recipes to
share. I don’t do anything but
hold the phone to my ear and let her yell.
Sometimes it’s the only way to let a person get her anger
out.
I think this is the best way to handle an angry person, especially when you're the person who's done wrong. I bet after she thought about it awhile, she realized that it was an honest mistake and that you were truly sorry.
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday Sharefest!
I hope so. I've been feeling bad about it since it happened. I just started doing Bikram Yoga (a kindness to myself) and went this morning. I think the time to just breath and relax is helping me let go of past regrets in general.
ReplyDeleteThat is a brilliant way to respond to someone who is ready for conflict. I'm going to have to remember that.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from SITS!
I promise you it takes a lot of self control! Ah, one day at a time!
DeleteIt's so hard to remember to keep calm when someone is yelling at you, but I think you did good by realizing you were wrong, admitting it, and letting her vent. I'm sure she will be fine and get over it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! If anything it made me realize when I get mad at someone to let them know that I accept their apology and let them move on, too.
DeleteWe're human, we all make mistakes! I don't know if I would have it in me to let someone just yell at me, but I'm impressed with how you handled the situation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Now if I could have the same control to not yell at the kids when I get mad at them! That's the next thing I'm working on!
Delete