I had something happen twice today, and I’m wondering about it now. It’s about me empathizing with others. Phoenix brings this out in me, and I’ve seen it really show up a few times.
For our lunch break today, we stopped at a nearby Dairy Queen. I’ve been there many times myself, and me and my coworker came here last week on today’s route.
The cashier is an older woman, maybe 60’s, but not slowing down. In a word, I’d say she’s “tough”. Handles things quickly and can be blunt in a second.
Well, I approached her when it was my turn to order, and I could easily see her unspoken frustration. I told her my order quickly and had my wallet out already. I gave her ones since I had a lot from tips this week. But, they were all messy and misfolded, as I very rarely use cash for purchases. She began sorting out the bills I gave her, and seeing her frustration begged a question.
I asked her “how are YOU doing today?” I felt caring, and I let it out. She looked at me, seeing I really asked her, and she looked at me again and said “I’m getting pissed off actually, taking shit from customers”. I felt concern, and I know my face mirrored this. I didn’t have to say anything. My face showed I heard and felt her frustration. She seemed to drop her anger a moment, but I finished my order, and stepped back so others could order. I felt like I’d given some of myself to her, if only for seconds.
Then, I arrived home 30 minutes ago. My housemate was cooking something for himself, and he began sharing his day’s activities as soon as I walked in. I listened, remembering past impatience I’d experience quickly, but yet, I felt compelled to stay and listen, which I did for 15 minutes. I was listening for and tuned into how his experiences today affected him, and dang, I even came back out to get something from the kitchen, and I spent another 5 minutes listening.
I felt good today listening to both of them. I was even crying when I began writing this piece, because it touches me. Like I’m softening my “back OFF!” shield I hold up. Something’s giving.
I’ve spent a lot of time ignoring other people’s lives. This is touching me since…I’d not acknowledged it much. It just seemed so LOUD today.