Read on Twitter
OK. I know I have anger management issues. I know that I can go from 0 to 90 in 2 seconds.
I'm not proud of it, and I actively try to avoid confrontations frequently for that very reason.
Well.
My wife asked me to go to Walmart to get an ingredient for a recipe, so I went there.
I'm not proud of it, and I actively try to avoid confrontations frequently for that very reason.
Well.
My wife asked me to go to Walmart to get an ingredient for a recipe, so I went there.
About a third of the people there were wearing masks and most of the employees were masked. (while UT's COVID numbers keep climbing and climbing and climbing) but I put my mask on and went into the store. I got what I went for, and went to the self-check-out line. We're all
about 6 feet apart as per the stickers on the floor. This guy comes up with cart with like 50 things in it (yes, it's the express, too) and gets in front of me.
He looks at me "are you in line?" with this snarling tone.
WTF? I can feel the anger rising.
Me: the end is over there
He looks at me "are you in line?" with this snarling tone.
WTF? I can feel the anger rising.
Me: the end is over there
Him: I HATE THIS 6 FOOT CRAP!
Me: (calm, calm, I'm calm) Ok, dude.
Him: AND THOSE MASKS DON'T WORK!
Me: OK, dude.
I don't know why this guy is so hostile or why he's focusing on me, but I'm thinking calm, calm, calm.
(Yes, I've been to anger management class, and group therapy)
Me: (calm, calm, I'm calm) Ok, dude.
Him: AND THOSE MASKS DON'T WORK!
Me: OK, dude.
I don't know why this guy is so hostile or why he's focusing on me, but I'm thinking calm, calm, calm.
(Yes, I've been to anger management class, and group therapy)
Me: OK, dude.
Him: (not quite yelling now) WHY ARE YOU WEARING ONE?!?
Me: you know what burn pits are?
Him:
Me: Do you know what white phosphorous is?
Him:
Me: I was exposed to both in the army. A lot. My lungs don't work like most people's. YOU GOT A FUCKIN' PROBLEM WITH THAT?
Him: (not quite yelling now) WHY ARE YOU WEARING ONE?!?
Me: you know what burn pits are?
Him:
Me: Do you know what white phosphorous is?
Him:
Me: I was exposed to both in the army. A lot. My lungs don't work like most people's. YOU GOT A FUCKIN' PROBLEM WITH THAT?
Me: MIND YOUR FUCKIN' BUSINESS AND YOU'LL LIVE LONGER.
And he looked down.
At this point everybody around us is staring.
I was so mad I couldn't see straight. I made my purchase and left.
By the time I got home (it's a 5 minute drive) I was so wrapped up and angry and sad and so
And he looked down.
At this point everybody around us is staring.
I was so mad I couldn't see straight. I made my purchase and left.
By the time I got home (it's a 5 minute drive) I was so wrapped up and angry and sad and so
full of shame for my behavior that I felt like throwing up.
I was way out of line. And in that moment, I wanted him to try something. I almost said "I dare you" out loud. I felt it.
I did everything I hate there. I bullied the guy AND I played the ANGRY VETERAN card.
I was way out of line. And in that moment, I wanted him to try something. I almost said "I dare you" out loud. I felt it.
I did everything I hate there. I bullied the guy AND I played the ANGRY VETERAN card.
I'm calmed down now, but I need to talk to my group leader tomorrow.
Whatever was this guy's issue, I didn't need to go there. I'd find the guy and apologize if I could, but I'll apologize to the other vets on here right now because my behavior makes us all look bad.
I'm sorry.
Whatever was this guy's issue, I didn't need to go there. I'd find the guy and apologize if I could, but I'll apologize to the other vets on here right now because my behavior makes us all look bad.
I'm sorry.
