Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Be Polite With Your Eyes

This morning, I was on my way somewhere and happened to pass a group of people. I glanced in their direction for no particular reason. I don't know if I looked too long or what, but one of the people asked "Do you need something or are you looking for something?" I said no, and she said, "Keep walking, b*tch. [editing mine]" I did and apologized.

This is not the only time that my eyes have "misbehaved" so to speak. There were times when I looked in the general direction of others without cause and their tone of voice and/or the face they'd give me would indicate that they were bothered by this. (I've done that a couple of times to my sister, and she is one of the people in my life to whom I have a moral responsibility to never displease.)  When I realized that the person was bothered by this, I'd look away and feel guilty. I've also stared at a dog once and was reprimanded for it. (Staring is a no-no by both dog standards AND human standards.)

For the Accommodite, looking in the direction of others without cause, especially if it offends the other party  is bad behavior and should be avoided. Rather, unless one is in a conversation with another or is trying to get/stay out of another person's way, one should avert their eyes as to make it clear that one hasn't a question or anything else calling one's eyes in the direction of another.

Learn from my mistake, and be polite with your eyes.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

I've Been A Naughty Daughther To My Mom By Not Being Accessible When She Called

My mom and stepdad are currently out of town on a road trip. They left Thursday evening, and they plan on returning home on Tuesday night.

My mom has tried to call me twice since she left: once on Thursday night and another time today. The former I can justify by saying that I was out somewhere and needed to have my phone off. Concerning the latter, however, I had my phone in my purse rather than my pocket and must not have heard it. She has left a voicemail both times. She managed to catch me on Facebook (via the chat feature). I told her I was okay and that I was sorry for missing her call.

Sometime after that, I checked my phone. It turns out I had a "missed call" from my sister. It turns out that my mom had called her to get her to call me.

I should've had my phone in my pocket when Mom called. Then, I could've answered to assure her that I was okay and then she wouldn't have had to have my sister involved. I have failed her in this and in this way have been a naughty daughter to her. (BAD Moderate Mouse.) You'd think being 25 year-old professing to Christian standards that I'd have my act together as a daughter. Sadly, I don't.

I feel terrible for failing my mother. Last time I checked, she and my stepdad were going out to dinner. I don't know if I'd catch her at a good time now. However, tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to call her and apologize for missing her calls and putting her in the position to have my sister involved.

The behavior I engaged in is not proper for the Accommodite. If a cell phone is in the equation, the proper thing to do is to have it close to oneself, and barring situations where having it on is out of the question (such as church or seeing a show), it should be on and answered just as soon as possible and all calls returned as soon as possible, and NEVER should a third party have to intervene. The Accommodite who fails in this area should apologize to the person trying to contact him/her for the disservice that had been done. After all, our actions affect others, and negative effects are to be avoided by the Accommodite.