Ever encounter someone who’s just going to be persnickety no matter what?
You can be friendly, gregarious, giving, and they simply can’t be bothered.
I often wonder how to work with such people.
One of my guiding Principles is people treat you as they wish to be treated.
Often I wrap that in “You’ve got to be kidding. They want to be treated like poo?”
Some people, some times, yes.
I appreciate some people may respond uncharacteristically in the moment.
Who knows what’s going on with them when they respond so? A bad day? Bad haircut? Bad piece of beef or undercooked potato?
Such people apologize.
No problem. No harm done. Is there something I can do to help?
Others simply repeat their behavior or avoid making contact, perhaps ashamed of what they’ve done or said.
I mourn for those sailing such straights.
Their minds must be seething with things unimaginable.
And I write fiction.
I can imagine all sorts of things.