Anger
When I got home with my new Ipad, I realized that the plug was different from the previous one. It didn’t bother me although I can’t wait for the day when there’s one universal plug for all my electronics. It’s counter intuitive to refer to our wireless world while tangling at the end of a bunch of USB cords. Since my dream of owning one base that controls all my kitchen appliances; food processor, blender and mixer has not been realized in half a century, I’m not holding my breath.
But then, my apple pencil purchased in the spring didn’t work. I wasn’t happy. Sure, I could have traded in my old Ipad two months ago for a $200 credit before the motherboard crapped out but there is no trade in on the apple pencil. I felt duped even though I liked my new Ipad. It is better and nicer. Still, none of these products are cheap. I haven’t spent much money in the last year so when my plastic credit card seemed warm and melty in my hands my ‘revenge” button was getting warm, too.
It’s a hot, sticky summer. There are a number of studies that show heat increases frustration and anger. It seems more oppressive than usual; the weather reports seem to track a trend. Global warming, climate change are phrases that are becoming more than vocabulary words but something that one actually feels on one skin and with every breath of humid air. The physical discomfort combined with daily stress, intensifies anger and rage, if one believes in science.
This year it seems worse. Tempers flared in Costcos, numerous random shootings on the streets of our cities, sometimes by suspects riding scooters, knock down fights with flight attendants and there was a drive by shooting at an abbey of nuns!
While I wasn’t that angry about my Ipad, I felt the need for some retribution. I bought the Ipad less than two weeks ago. I could return it for the less pricey model. The Apple Pencil would work. It might not be as fancy but the Ipad spends more time these days in my granddaughter’s possession. I made the appointment to visit the store satisfied with my decision, especially the part that would put a few bucks back in my pocket.
I loaded the stroller in the minivan, because Monday’s chaperone was the three-year-old. As my chaperone alternated singing the ABC’s and the chorus of whatever was playing on the radio, I had a change of heart.
We have become a nation of hotheads. Everything is an opportunity for a fight. There are several tv shows that project our reality as ever seeking an opportunity to get under another skin. Flip on the news and you’ll there will be a politician on Capitol Hill pounding a podium and declaring the coming apocalypse. Look at how wearing a mask has become akin to waving a red cape in front of a bull. Pick a topic. Pick a fight. What was bothering that person to take aim at an abbey of cloistered nuns? Did the shooter ever see the Sound of Music?
The store had just opened as I nimbly parked the stroller so my chaperone was facing the specialist. I didn’t believe that Apple wanted to make me unhappy. The specialist was pleasant but surprised that I would want to make a return that seems illogical. I agreed and explained my position. My chaperone showed him the stuffed cat and chattered through her mask. He smiled, asked me to give him a moment, then disappeared.
He was gone long enough for me to consider how attitudes tangle. I have no idea of what happened during recent customer encounters. My adorable chaperone in her stroller is potentially a time bomb ready to explode into a screaming toddler. Once the crying starts everyone within earshot’s nerves are on edge. Wow, I perceived myself as putting my best face forward but the specialist had no idea if I was packing a big bag of calming snacks and toys or if I didn’t bring the diaper bag.
The specialist returned and sighed as my chaperone regarded him neutrally. Even at three years old she is fluent in Ipad, Iphone and Apple Watch. She might be eying his job.
The Apple Pencil is worth a hundred bucks. That’s not a small thing but maybe I could sell it for half. I spoke my part. I felt good about that and maybe someday the constant changing of plugs will stop, not according to forty years of kitchen appliances.
We can work this out, the specialist said. My chaperone pointed out the route for the stroller back to the parking lot. Everyone was smiling which seemed like a win for the world.
Well, all but my credit card which absorbed the difference of the upgraded Apple Pencil. Equity and retribution. It was a good day.
I am not convinced that you get angry about anything, or at least only at reasonable stuff. I like how you pointed out that anger is in the air and you were not adding more to it. Your little chaperone must go with you at moments like this. You made me look up “apple pencil” and now I must find out what I am missing. It was fun to read!
Congrats on your one year Blog anniversary. I think we need to toast and have cake! Glad this worked out for you and I think the main influencer was the chaperone. Who could resist striking up a bargain that would make her happy!
You have a way of seeing the other side of a situation, of being perceptive of other people’s point of view, that would be REALLY annoying if it were not so reasonable and helpful. I liked how you got into not only your head, but the baby’s and the specialist’s, without intruding. Really nice essay!
You always make my day! I laugh out loud reading your commentary. Have you ever thought to see if a newspaper would print these? Or, Reader’s Digest? You really deserve a national platform for these.