Occasionally I have a lapse of concentration whilst driving and do something silly like forget to indicate that I am going to turn right whilst sitting at the lights (mainly because the lights are just before my house and I am so used to turning right there that I do it automatically). Usually the other motorist behind responds with a loud, prolonged blow of their horn, an angry look, some unrepeatable words and occassionally one or two fingers in the air.
I know I have made a mistake, I know it was my fault, I didn't do it on purpose and I allready feel upset with out the extra horn, words and gestures from the other motorist.
As I was driving home this morning, the tables were turned. A car pulled out of a stop sign in front of me. As I jammed on the brakes I could see the look of horror on the other driver's face as they instantly knew that they had made a mistake. Should I respond with the agressive treatment that I had received or should I do something different.
I chose "different". I smiled at them and put my hand up in a "that's OK" sort of way.
I'm sure it made them feel better and guess what...it made me feel great!
"You have not lived a perfect day, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you" Ruth Smeltzer
