FULL DISCLAIMER: When I’m with my kids at public venues, I’m a little on edge. I’m extremely protective of them.
It’s my daughter’s birthday. My wife planned a birthday event and we’re all at this kid-friendly venue. It’s happiness in the air! Family and friends are socializing and having a great time!
As I was floating back and forth between family/friends and where the kids were, someone had bumped me. I knew it was a mistake, and consequently I didn’t even look at that person. As a result of the bump, I fell into someone else. I issued an immediate apology. This person looked me square in the face (one foot away) and said, “GET THE BLEEP UP OFF ME, PUNK!”
At this point, I wish I could report I behaved like Gandhi, and walked away. I didn’t! In fact, I responded in like kind. I went from a very happy (Dr. Jekyll) to a very bad (Mr. Hyde) person. NOT GOOD! After the incident quelled, I apologized to everyone involved.
LESSON LEARNED: No one is perfect. We all slip from time-to-time. It’s important to accept responsibility, apologize, move on and correct your behavior in the future.
