Sometimes, I'm led to wonder why people find it difficult to respect other people's boundaries. They'd intentionally do things to provoke you just to see how you'd react so they'd launch their next attack. Well, as it's often said; "silence is the best answer to a fool."
I had an experience that tested my patience and resolve on my first visit to Airtel office for a sim upgrade. I should be fuming upon remembering the incident, instead, I'm reeling with laugher. 馃ぃ馃ぃ Seriously, some people's behavior are just laughable. Gosh! You'd see someone and think they're normal, but no, they're not.
You know what, people didn't just become bullies overnight, they started acting it right from childhood.
Back to my story.
While waiting for my turn for a SIM upgrade, a man came and sat next to me. We exchanged pleasantries, and he equally complimented my looks, which I politely acknowledged, and went back to my phone. However, he tried to get my attention again with his complaints about Airtel's poor service and sim swap transaction failure, but I didn't give in. I was in the middle of a business chat, and entertaining any other conversation would be nothing but distraction. Moreover, I had already sized him up and knew where the conversation would be headed, so I didn't want to indulge him.
Things took a new turn when he accidentally stepped on me - so I thought, while trying to get back to his seat. Despite his apology and nudging attempts to get me to respond, I locked up.
Seeing that he was wasn't getting his way, guy man got provoked and said; "you don't want to respond, abi?. The next thing I saw, he stretched out his legs and stepped on me again, this time so hard that I almost let out a cry. I looked at him questioningly but he stared back at me, with a mischievous grin. I looked at him briefly and turned back to completing the task I was doing before the rude interruption, Hehehehe.
He thought that by acting so immature and pushy, I'd be provoked to respond or react in a certain way, rather I gave him a cold attitude. And I sensed he was taken aback by my lack of reaction. It's as if he was used to people bending to his will, and he didn't know how to handle someone who didn't.
Over the years, I've learnt how to handle individuals like him, and ignoring him was the best way to take away the fuel he was looking for. It was like taking away the power he thought he had.
Power pass power na. 馃槀
The experience was a subtle reminder that staying calm under pressure and not letting others dictate my emotions is of utmost importance. My first priority should be towards my mental health and wellness. It also showed me that sometimes, ignoring someone's provocations can be a powerful way to handle the situation. So glad I did.
More so, it made me realize that some individuals have a hard time taking no for an answer. It's like they feel entitled to get their way, and might go to great lengths to get them, even if it means pushing boundaries or being aggressive. To me, such individuals are a threat and should be put in their place.
Thank you for reading.
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