The other day I went to the post office to send some packages. I walked in with a smile and waited while the employee was finishing up with another customer. When she left I stepped up and said hello, smiled and made eye contact. I was calm and not in a rush, and I asked about 2 different options for shipping my packages.

Immediately I felt the man behind the counter judged me for some reason – he was not kind like he was with the other customers, chatting them up. I sensed a deep sadness within him for whatever reason (maybe I reminded him of someone?), so I was extra nice. He asked if I wanted to send the packages ground or priority mail, and I asked the cost difference between them so I could decide. He clearly became annoyed as he got out a measuring tape to measure the packages, yet how was I to make an informed decision when I had no idea of cost?!

I had to step aside to address the packages and he helped 3 other people during that time, chatting away with them. When I stepped back up he immediately became distant again and asked me if he could help the woman behind me first (she had 1 package and I had 2, but that was simply rude) – but I declined and said my packages were ready to go.

This experience was a lesson, albeit strange. When we are going through something challenging it is so hard sometimes to encounter situations like this, especially when we have done nothing to offend or disrespect the person who is giving off negative energy towards us. I thought that had this happened when I was healing from my divorce (or having a difficult day in any respect), it may have been received in a different manner. Every one of us has challenging days sometimes but you never know what the other person is dealing with, and he had no reason to treat me that way when he was kind to all the other customers.

What I learned from this was that no matter what, it is a remarkable reflection of your character to stay cordial and calm. Whatever the other person is dealing with that prevents them from doing the same – that’s THEIR problem, not yours. This is especially true when you yourself are dealing with difficult things, as it makes it even harder not to react nor take it personally.

I hope my experience may put things into perspective should you ever find yourself in a situation like this. Keep calm, smile, thank the person for their help, and wish them a good day. Maybe they will contemplate that at some point and treat the next person better. 🦋