An odd experience yesterday evening at the Chevron station.

@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
@just4him (306386)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
29 Jun 20
I'm glad you were in non-conflict mode. I would have panicked and gotten out of there as fast as possible.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Jun 20
@just4him Maybe I'll make a smoothie later today to celebrate. It's pretty warm out.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Jun 20
I try to stay in non-conflict mode. I like my days to go as smoothly as possible.
2 people like this
@just4him (306386)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
29 Jun 20
@TheHorse That's good. I like smooth.
2 people like this
@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
@kanuck1 (4394)
29 Jun 20
I like the way you approach things by being in a "non-violent conflict-resolution". Way to go!
2 people like this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Jun 20
Thanks, Ken. It seems to work.
2 people like this
@kanuck1 (4394)
29 Jun 20
@TheHorse Great! It's always best to avoid trouble if we can.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 20
@kanuck1 Yeah, I think I'm pretty good at it.
• 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
• 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
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 20
One-on-one I'm usually OK. I've calmed angry drunks, shhizophrenics, etc., before. But if I were near an unruly mob, attacking people and looting, I'd probably just leave.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 20
It sounds to me that you had a lucky escape. It's good you knew how to get out of with the situation safely.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 20
I hope he picked up the vibe and was kind to the person behind the counter.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325854)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jun 20
@TheHorse It could be unnerving for the person behind the counter.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 20
@JudyEv It could be. He seemed "neutral" and cool, but I wondered what he was thinking.
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
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Jun 20
The psychologists tell us that a lot on communication is nonverbal, including tone of voice.
1 person likes this
@SHOHANA (16094)
• Bangladesh
30 Jun 20
Smoking is injurious to health
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 20
But French study shows that it reduces risk of severe symptoms from Covid-19. I'm gonna fire up another one.
@wolfgirl569 (95261)
• Marion, Ohio
29 Jun 20
Glad you kept things calm. Hopefully it stayed that way
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Jun 20
I hope so too. The guy behind the counter seemed "chill."
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
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
29 Jun 20
I find it interesting how people have a need to "engage," but aren't sure whether they're getting into a fight (which some enjoy, or at least are used to), or a peaceful interaction (my comfort zone).
1 person likes this
• 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
@Adie04 (17360)
30 Jun 20
It might be not violent for physical, but mentally yes.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205820)
• Walnut Creek, California
30 Jun 20
I didn't even notice what he was buying.