If My Breathe STANK...

Would You Tell Me?

The checkout guy at Whole Foods was chatting up all the female customers and didn’t even notice how badly he held up the line. I was fuming. 

Marcus says,

“Don’t be irritated at people’s smell or bad breath. What’s the point?...use your logic to awaken his. Show him. Make him realize it. If he’ll listen, then you’ll have solved the problem. Without anger.” (5.28)

I should have told the checkout guy he was slowing the line down and people were mad. I didn’t need to say it rudely but I could have made a comment.

*read next line like I’m the most casual dude to ever live*

“Crazy how few cash registers are open for so many customers, eh bud?” That would have been the virtuous thing to do. Also the Canadian thing to say. 

Instead, I got mad and said nothing to him. I unknowingly chose to dampen my own mood and make no attempt at fixing the situation.

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This can be applied anytime somebody is unknowingly making you mad. Maybe you have a family member who can’t read social cues well and he offends you. Maybe your friend at the gym clearly forgot deodorant. Maybe your significant other teases you about something you’re sensitive about.

Being angry solves nothing! Show him! Make him realize! These words by Marcus are so simple yet true. How often do we hold back and not tell friends or family when they’re making us angry? If they’re really your friends then it’s your duty to tell them. Otherwise you are choosing to hurt your friendship, not them.

Brains Gains

What is something your close friend does that bothers you? Have you told them? How did you tell them?

Friendship is hard. But it’s also important. That’s why I’m grateful to have you as a friend. Thank you for being a Big Nerd.

Your Biggest Fan,

Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski