When we got to our car after the appointment, there was a man parking his motorcycle between the trunk of my car and the front of the car behind mine. I thought about saying something like, "That is not a parking space - move your motorcycle."
But then I remembered a man who yelled at me about parking a few weeks ago. Even though I had done nothing wrong. And I remembered how awful it felt to be yelled at by a stranger in the rain. So when I saw that there was no other car parked in front of my car, and I could just pull forward to leave the space, I decided to give the motorcycle a break.
Until I realized I needed to open my trunk to put away the stroller frame before we could drive away.
I said to the parking interloper, "I need to get into my trunk. Could you please move your motorcycle?"
He asked if I could open it without him having to move.
I entertained his suggestion because, apparently I am very open to second-guessing. I realized that, even if his motorcycle would not prevent me from opening my trunk, I would need to stand on his motorcycle while I placed the stroller frame into my trunk.
I said, "I need to put my stroller away."
Pause.
Then I said, "Sorry."
And he moved.
Why on earth did I apologize?
I know why I apologized. I have seen enough of the research and that Pantene ad to get it.
So, I am actually sorry Pumpkin had to witness my apology. Pumpkin, do not apologize for some one else's error. Do not apologize for pointing out the error so that you can use space in this world. You and I are entitled to as much space - parking or not - as anyone else.
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