An odd experience yesterday evening at the Chevron station.
By The Horse
@TheHorse (205820)
Walnut Creek, California
June 29, 2020 12:53pm CST
Yesterday evening, at about 8:30 PM, I realized I'd need some smokes for today, so I drove to the Chevron gas station, a long block away. It's next door to the Best Buy that got looted a couple of weeks ago.
As I was pulling into the station a Mercedes pulled up to the "mini-market" part of the station, right in front of me, and parked across three spaces, ignoring the stripes on the ground. I found a space behind his car.
A young man in his 20s, who looked to be part black and part Latino, entered the store about 15 seconds before I did. Dang entitled young people, I thought, as there was no reason not to park "normally."
As I walked up to the counter, I realized I had forgotten to bring a mask, so I put my flannel shirt over my mouth and asked for American Spirit Blue, please. At that moment I heard the young man, who was deep in the store, shouting at me. Something about "You need a mask!!!"
As I finished my purchase, he came up to the counter, to my right, and said, "Oh sorry man." Strangely, he did not have a mask on. I said "No prob." and started to leave. He then started talking about other stuff (I cant remember exactly what), and then he said "Who's the as*hole who parked in three spaces. Heh. That was me."
I said, "There's plenty of room out there. No big." and started to leave. He said some more things which I can't remember. I nodded and said "God bless, man," to which he responded something peaceful like "to all of us." I drove home.
As I was driving home, I found myself thinking that he was probably high on meth, and needed engagement. I'm not sure if he was trying to initiate negative engagement by shouting at me from across the store or not.
But I know that I was in "non-violent conflict-resolution" (a part of my training) mode as he approached. He may have mellowed out when he sensed that I was mellow, not in conflict mode.
I hope he was nice to the guy behind the counter and made it home safely. Any thoughts?
12 people like this
11 responses
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
29 Jun 20
I think you did the right thing and I admire you for that. Obviously the man has a problem, the problem with me is I don't want to be a cushion of somebody else's problem, if I were younger, less patient, much stronger and not as wise that guy would evaporate
2 people like this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
29 Jun 20
@TheHorse you are a good guy, I'm also a good guy but I'm in the Philippines and in Metro Manila at that, situations make us play different rules sometimes depending on where we are I guess. We should always choose peace whenever possible.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Jun 20
I never really want to hurt anyone or even teach them a lesson. Well teach them a lesson yes, but a peaceful lesson. Growing up in Chicago, I had to fight sometimes to defend my bicycle or lunch money, but I managed never to be hurt or to hurt anyone.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 20
@louievill Do the "have nots" get pretty aggressive there sometimes?
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
30 Jun 20
It depends, lately I am on the defense, with things, because I am tired of most of the stuff that goes on.
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
3 Jul 20
@TheHorse that’s the best thing to do is leave.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Jul 20
@CookieMonster46 When people are in mobs, they assume anonymity, and can be dangerous to others.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
29 Jun 20
I`m often in the non conflict mode.... I have been told before I am the peacekeeper. I have also been told that my soft voice calms people.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (95261)
• Marion, Ohio
29 Jun 20
Glad you kept things calm. Hopefully it stayed that way
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156271)
• United States
29 Jun 20
It's good that you chilled and didn't really engage with him. That's always best.
1 person likes this
@samysotelo18 (7744)
• Mexico
29 Jun 20
I think he was looking to get into an argument, but it's good that you ignored it and went on with your day
1 person likes this