“Listening to an Argument, in a Foreign Language”

I stopped at a convenience food store, needed to get gas and a few things inside. While I was getting the items that I needed I could hear a pretty animated conversation. Actually it wasn’t a conversation it was a man, who seemed to be berating a woman. It didn’t mean much to him that I was standing at the counter, he kept right at it and at the same time rang up the items that I wanted to purchase.

Then he looked at me, as I didn’t move to pay him, I just stood there looking at him. He told me the amount of money that he wanted, but I didn’t move. At least his focus was now on me instead of her. I had a decision to make, already knowing what it would be, I asked him why he was being such a jerk to the woman. As if she wasn’t even there, he said she wasn’t very smart and needed to be told everything.

I told him that he might consider a little kindness, it might go a long way and you might consider the same for your customers. I told him, I’ve decided not to buy these items and wouldn’t be stopping for gas either. I guess I should have quit right there, but also told him, in this country, we treat women with honor and respect and you are now in America and walked out. I couldn’t help glancing at her, it wasn’t a big smile, but a smile just the same.