𝑨 𝑻𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑶𝒇 𝑻𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

My profession have taught me patience more than I could have imagined.

I have worked with different clients and through their attitude, I've learned to be tolerant.

We were taught that "customers are always right." (Even when they are wrong) we were also taught that we take the blame for everything even when it's not our fault.

Two weeks ago, I met a client that tested my patient. I was passing by to school when she called me. I quickly dashed to her shop, she handed me this fabric that she wanted to make use of it to a function in five days time.

I had wanted to decline because, it was gonna be hectic for me to deliver the dress in such a little time, but when she showed me the style, I noticed it wasn't something that would take much of my time.

I accepted to make the dress. I charged her but she pleaded I reduced the fee. I was kind enough to slash the fee further.

She gave me three yardage of fabric. The style she chose required more, considering her stature (plus size) and her height.

We decided to manipulate the dress length by adding another fabrics to it and then I left.

Four days later, I was done with the dress, so I took it to her shop. Immediately she saw her outfit, she was excited, after fittings, she gave me my money and I left.

After three days, she called me that she wanted to change the style. (After she had worn it to the function)

She said she wanted a more fancy sleeve and she wanted to change the length of the dress to a knee length.

I told her I'd charge extra for any alterations and that was how she began to rain insult on me.

I had wanted to react, but then I realized it was unprofessional of me to exchange words with a client. As hard as it was, I learned to tolerate the bullshit she was spilling from her mouth.

I heard from the background when her friend was scolding her. "Anita, you chose the style initially, why change it?"

I was so upset but there was nothing I could do, so I asked my mom what she thought was right I do.

My mom told me to go back to her shop, collect the dress and alter it but that should be the last time I make a dress for her.

I went to her shop, collected the dress and as I was about to leave, she told me to change the style of the neckline too.

Ha! Then I realized she wanted to change the style completely because she had another function to attend, she didn't want it to seem like she repeated a dress but she wasn't being humble to request for that and at the same time, she was arrogant and didn't want to pay a dime for alterations.

Well, to avoid drama, I did what she wanted and delivered it back to her but before I left, I calmly told her how unfair her attitude was and how I would never tolerate her trying to cheat me next time.

she was so calm and wondered how I could be so patient despite how rude she was to me initially.

She eventually apologized for her unruly behavior , but my joy was how I handled the matter with patience.

I knew how bad this matter would have ended if I hadn't been patient.

What's my point? Patience helps mitigate a problem. This quality is an essential quality for cohabitation, because people will step on your toes no matter how much you try to avoid trouble.

Patience helps one bridle their tongue so they say what they'll end up regretting the words they have spilled. I was proud of how I handled the situation and so I thought of sharing here too, maybe anyone here can relate.