“And quite frankly, your Type A personality pisses me off,”
the soccer mom growled at me this am as I slipped
into security at Dulles-Washington airport on my way
to Atlanta.
What did I do to elicit the bitter soccer mom, sucker punch
before my first cup of coffee?
I’m a good traveler, scratch that, I’m a great traveler.
I’m always checked in before I get to the airport, usually
with my eboarding pass txted to my mobile, I never
check bags, I never carry more than a backpack full of
stuff and I have my ID in-hand at all times.
I’ve perfected my security line dance down to the T.
Slip off my shoes and jacket even before I get my bin,
grab two bins, slide out my laptop, voila!
This morning I saw an open line and jumped for it.
Just in time to come smack face-to-face with a family
of 3.
“Um, you cut in front of us…” as I reached for an empty bin.
“I was just gonna grab a bin if that’s okay,”
“No, it’s not,”
“Well, I’m sorry,” I rolled my eyes sarcastically.
“No you’re not and you can’t cut. She’s a person, too,”
referring to her 9yo daughter way in front of me, who I don’t
even remember coming in contact with.
“I was trying to hurry because I knew you were going
to take a long time,” eying the dad clumsily taking
off his shoes.
The airport was pretty empty, so the security guards
started surveying the soccer mom v. 24yo career gal feud.
My blood was boiling. Who the heck did this woman
think she was? Just because I’m efficient
and she can’t be because she’s a mom is not my fault.
“It’s not all about you and quite frankly, your Type A personality pisses me off!”
Type A? I am not Type A, I thought.
We exchanged dirty looks while we slipped our shoes
back on, my blood boiling, tongue practically on fire.
Why the heck did I care so much? My life coach says
when my ego acts up it’s because I’m trying to
protect something. I’m trying to protect a belief
that’s near and dear to my heart.
You see, I love efficiency. I’m all about the quickest route,
knowing where to park, how to load the dishwasher jam-
packed with the most dishes at one time and answering
emails while I’m at a stoplight or in Q at the store.
And I shouldn’t have to apologize for that.
I have the right to like what I like, right?
So why do I need to make Soccer mom wrong?
Because I have a judgment that being inefficient
is wrong. And I have the right to criticize anyone
who is inefficient.
Dang.
I guess I am Type A.
Ever get caught up in an airport brawl like this?
Are you Type A, but can’t admit it to yourself?
Would love to hear your feedback!
Dan Smigrod
1 year ago
Bethany,
You’re the sweetest woman on the planet.
Sounds like the Soccer Mom was having a bad day.
Dan
Bethany
1 year ago
Hah! Thanks Dan. I’ll be the first to admit, though, I can be kind of a valley girl sometimes. Perhaps this was one time when I coulda let my STRONG voice be a little less cranky
Angela
1 year ago
I get into altercations like this with people that are able-bodied, don’t have a parking permit and still park in handicapped parking. And yes, it happens about once a month.
Once, a lady had a flat tire and hatefully replied to my confrontation, “Well, I have a flat tire and this is where my vehicle stopped.” I curtly replied, “Yes, I understand that a flat tire is most inconvenient, but equally inconvenient is not having the use of your limbs and someone taking the ONLY parking spot in the lot that will work for you. I think you can manage a few feet to another space.” She moved and for a moment, I felt like Wonder Woman, doing good for all of mankind!
But now that you mention it, in response to the ego and “protecting”, I suppose I’m protecting myself from being a bad person. I need to be a good person and make a difference. I do good deeds and make sure parking spots are available to those in need! Ok…sounds ridiculous as I type it. ha! So, now I’m thinking… Where do you draw the line between ego and really making a stand for what’s right?
Things that make ya go Hmmm…great blog.
Bethany
1 year ago
Haha, love your STRONG voice in standing up for keeping handicap spots open for those who really need it.
As for where the line gets drawn between ego and making a difference? Darn, I was hoping you would help me out on that one
KayCie
1 year ago
Ha! We are soooo related! I know exactly how you feel. If only Congress could get more efficient, we might actually accomplish something!
As for the bi*chy mom, I have a bad temper. If it was me, I probably wouldn’t have said anything, got out of line, and started all over again. It might have pissed her off more if you just ignored her LOL. Some people with kids, (I don’t have any so sorry to offend anyone), don’t realize they aren’t the only ones in the world. They get wraped out in soccor games, sleep overs, and everything else that they sometimes don’t realize what else is out there.
Sorry you had to go through that. I guess you should just chalk it up as another life experience to learn from
<3KC
Bethany
1 year ago
Haha! I know. I completely empathize with being a mom, I was a nanny for years and know how completely stressful it can be to get a group of kids through a “process.” I think you’re right though. BIGGEST TAKEAWAY: Sometimes my STRONG voice needs to be a quiet voice!
Mandy
1 year ago
Do I dare to be the challenger here? (love what your life coach said BTW, she’s totally right… my therapist JUST said almost the exact same thing to me yesterday)
So…(being over the top to make a point) I can run out and sleep with five other guys who and if I like it, I don’t have to apologize to Greg for that? Or, if I don’t feel like waiting for someone to show up behind the counter at the store, I can just take my stuff and go?
Which is to say, we all have our preferences, but it ISN’T all about us… despite what we prefer, our actions usually involve other people. It was a recipe for disaster–YOU prefer efficiency at all costs, grouchy Soccer Mom prefers to not have people treat her and her children like an obstacle to be stepped over. But it’s not all about HER either, so she could stand to chill out a little bit and wave others on while her kids are stumbling with their velcro and teddy bears. Who knows, maybe if you smiled and asked nicely if she minded if you grabbed a container and went on ahead she would have been more inclined to be cool about it.
All that to say, a deep breath and a little compromise for a more chiller world?
JG
1 year ago
This is a great post B! Thanks for telling us about your encounter. LOVE the hyper-honesty
p.s. “All that to say, a deep breath and a little compromise for a more chiller world?” Nice Mandy. Now let’s add a shot to the mix! First round (for the WORLD) is on me
Bethany
1 year ago
I second, “a deep breath and a little compromise for a more chiller world!”
Soccer mom
1 year ago
Why can’t soccer moms be efficient?
Mandy
1 year ago
Oh, I think soccer moms can be QUITE efficient, but soccer mom efficient is SOMEWHAT reliant on the wills of small children and therefore will never measure up to the efficiency of a 24 year old, hyper caffeinated, single career gal on the go.
Who I personally can’t WAIT to watch re-adjust her idea of efficiency when it’s her own turn to be a mom…
You rock, JG!!
And I’m up for that shot anytime… it’s a great first step!
Tina
1 year ago
trust me my friends, that she is at the airport, with teddy bears in hand and velcro shoes on, and on time means she is more than efficient she is amazing….chill sweetie, and maybe? stand still for a minute and enjoy the beauty of those sweet children…just a little note from an old single mom…hugs!
Exercise Balls
1 year ago
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
Aga Kruk
1 year ago
I can totally see the “situation” at the airport. Sorry Bethany, but it just made my laugh! I know how organized and efficient you are, and I can’t believe someone would take that aginst you in such a b***** way!
BTW, I am type A too:)
Aga Kruk´s last blog ..My Type A personality
KayCie
1 year ago
Nicely said Tina.
Mandy
1 year ago
O.M.G… has anyone seen Up In The Air??? You ARE George Clooney in this movie Bethany!! Redbox it just to watch the first 30 minutes. The first time I watched him go through airport security I was in stitches thinking of this blog… but then when I watched him school his young coworker on the ins and outs of airport security, I really lost it… the movie has a weird huh? ending, but the first 30 are must see.
Bethany
1 year ago
Hey Mandy,
Just read an interesting article (actually on the plane on the way from this “security incident”) about Millennial and they cited Up in the Air as a movie with a Type A type Millennial personality. Have to see that movie!
Emily
1 year ago
Nicely said Tina.