Rick Patrick
Columnist
I’m not quite sure exactly when the change occurred. In fact, it has only recently dawned on me that any change at all had happened.
But it certainly has happened. I remember back in my younger days, very few things really made their way under my skin to the point of annoyance. However, I have found that many “little things” that once would have “gone with the flow,” now elicit at least a small amount of ire in my mind.
I had one of those experiences just recently, like about 15 minutes ago. I attempted to call a person I had need to speak to in order to write a story. When I call the provided number, I was greeted by an automated voice that made a noble attempt to sound human. She asked me to give my name and reason for calling and she would see if the person to whom I needed to speak was available. This is not the first time I have been greeted with such a request. To my ears, it sounded as if I needed to make my case for my call and the person to whom I wanted to speak would decide if I was deemed worthy enough for a moment of their valuable time. At first, I hung up, thinking I would call back later. Then, one of my co-workers informed me I was supposed to wait on the line in order to find out if this person deemed me worthy. Armed with this newfound information regarding the expected protocol, I placed another call. When the automated voice answered, I informed her of the reason for my call, then waited for a response. After a brief moment, the automated voice returned as if to say, “You did not rise to the level of importance for this person to grace you with their personal response, so you may leave an additional message if you so desire.”
Perhaps, that may be one of those “little things” I should let pass right on by. But, it only rubbed a certain amount of salt on a rather fresh wound. I did leave my name and number, plus a reason for my request. Perhaps this person will deem me worthy … and perhaps not. They did not.
I informed one of my much younger co-workers (I am the oldest person here, so they are all younger than I) that when she is old like me, these “little things” will become a source of annoyance for her as well.
No matter what “little things” come along for you, I hope you can still find a reason to smile, here on the “Sunny Side.”