Mean People

Warning: Ranting ahead.

In the “about me” section of her blog, my friend Jenifer has a statement that says, “I don’t like....mean people.”

Me either.

What is it with mean people? Why do people feel the need to be mean, especially to someone they’ve never met before and who has never done anything to them?

Ahh, PTA. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet all the mean people you never wanted to. (haha - that sounds bad. I mean the general school populace, not other PTA members. *smile*) Being in PTA is like working retail – you get to deal with the public at its finest.

We’re wrapping up our spring fundraiser and the order was delivered to the school yesterday. We asked parents to PLEASE come get their orders ASAP, as frozen foods were involved. Whoo, boy, let me just tell you. Heaven forbid that you ever ask 150 parents to do anything ASAP. I have been griped at, chewed out, argued with, and hung up on. Really? Really? Because of a fundraiser?

I know the old saying, “Hurt people hurt people.” I tell my kids, “People are mean because someone’s been mean to them.” But where does it stop? When does someone step up and say, Yes, I’ve had a bad day or a bad week or maybe even a hard life. But that’s not your fault and I don’t have to take it out on you.

I mean come on, people. Let’s all just be nice!

Even if you have to wait in line for a while.
Even if there’s not an appointment available when you want it.
Even if they messed up your order.
Even if no one told you before you got there that they only take cash. (grrr)
Even if YOU helped your child sell 57 frozen food items in the PTA fund raiser and someone from the school asks you to come pick them up before they ruin, but no, they’re not going to stay at the school until 6:00 waiting only for you.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~ unknown