My psychologist daughter told me about a secret trick she employs. Each time she meets a new acquaintance, she immediately looks for one thing, no matter how small, she can appreciate before she may get influenced by any negative observations.
Why not give this one a shot, I think to myself.
So I’m at the checkout counter at the grocery store. Long lines of full carts, but I’m finally next. This fancy-dressed man cuts right in front of me as if I don’t exist. I tap him on the shoulder. “Sir, you need to go to the back of the line.”
“Screw you,” he whispers under his breath, putting his items on the belt.
I return the man’s Hennessy brandy and goat cheese back to his cart. I remember Kate’s recommendation, but I’m at a total loss for implementation.
The dear folks in line cheer as the manager escorts this creep out of the area while I try to think of the one good thing to attach to the jerk.
Ahh, I’ve got it. “You have excellent taste in brandy,” I yell out in his direction.
I can’t wait to tell Kate of my victory.
James