Saturday, December 22, 2012

Let Me Have It


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. 

8 comments:

  1. 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.

    Happy Saturday Sharefest!

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  2. 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.

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  3. That is a brilliant way to respond to someone who is ready for conflict. I'm going to have to remember that.


    Stopping by from SITS!

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    1. I promise you it takes a lot of self control! Ah, one day at a time!

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  4. It'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.

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    1. Thanks 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.

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  5. We'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.

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    1. Thanks 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!

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