I write this blog as a sometimes grumpy old man. Sometimes as a thoughtful old man. I do this because I so often feel that way. However, I witnessed something a few weeks ago which made me think there is hope for me yet.
It’s true, I am not as bad as I thought when compared to others!
The event that I will describe, was a local one. Very local to me. An example of people growing old disgracefully.
Most people are aware of the measure IQ. A simple number that indicates your level of intelligence. Your IQ is established early in your life and generally stays the same throughout your life.
Most people are not aware of the measure EQ. This is your emotional intelligence.
Your emotional intelligence grows steadily until the the age of 40-45. After this, your emotional intelligence slowly drops. With effort, you can maintain it at a higher level for a few years, but not many.
Once your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) starts to fall, you know that your actions may upset other people. The further it falls, the less you care.
I am early on this downward curve!
The event that I witnessed was on the local bus service. The number 18.
The bus links a large residential area with the local town and the nearby city. It is very popular with the elderly.
On this particular day, the bus was busy. The average age of the passengers was well over 70.
As the bus rounded a corner, a delivery lorry was trying to manoeuvre into position so that the crew could make a delivery. As it did this, it was momentarily blocking the road. A very common occurrence. A minute or 2 of patience and all is good.
The thing that struck me was the vitriol, anger and abuse that the elderly passengers let forth.
Some of the comments that were shouted up and down the bus are not repeatable on this blog. However in summary, they questioned the drivers intelligence. His common sense was called into question along with accusations of being selfish, uncaring and stupid.
As the lorry got into the space, the bus was able to squeeze past. The man in the seat in front of me did no more than lean across to the window and provide a gesture to the driver of the lorry.
The gesture was followed by a proud announcement to all the passengers on the bus saying “Thats the international gesture for D**khead” he announced.
I was initially annoyed and angry about the behaviour of the older generation.
Why so angry? why so aggressive. It delayed the journey by just 1 or 2 minutes. The bus driver was calm. I was calm. We were probably the only 2 with a timetable to keep.
I soon calmed down. The events had given me an idea for a blog post!
It also made me realise that there is still hope for me yet. I don’t want to be those people.
If you ever think you don’t care about if your actions will upset others, please please think about your actions. It just takes a moment of pause to consider your actions rather than your reactions.
There is hope for me yet!