Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, there seems to be more frustrated people. My son was working in retail when the pandemic began. The store he worked at was one that was considered essential to the community and never shut its doors. So, when most businesses were closed up tight, his work became one of the few places people could visit to get out of their houses. And they came in droves.
As the days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months of restrictions, the attitudes of many the customers went from pleasant and engaging to frustrated and rude. The term “Karen” became the designated term of the entitled ones that felt they shouldn’t have to abide by the rules. They balked at masks, balked at lack of supplies, and balked at tired associates that were working their hardest to meet their needs with limited resources. Numerous times my son came home beaten down because a “Karen” had ripped him to shreds for something he had no control over.
Associates at his place of work are not the only ones that have struggled with the frustration of others. There remains a consensus across the community that there are more irritated people than there was pre-pandemic. Some have even mentioned that because of the downward spiral of people’s tolerance levels, they now find their solace at home.
So how can we upturn this downward spiral? Maybe the answer is to be a “Sam”.
The last couple of weeks we’ve been working in our yard to bring it back to our springtime little paradise. Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I were outside pushing to finish the details.
As evening was dawning on Monday, I realized I lacked 12 bags of mulch. Worn out and filthy from head to toe, I drove up to our favorite orange bibbed store and grabbed what I needed and headed home. The sun was getting close to setting, but I was determined to drop those bags in the bed before I called it a day.
Fortunately, the bed is along the sidewalk so I was able to park close. Once I started throwing the bags I heard, “Do you need some help?” I looked up through sweat covered eyes and saw two young boys that I had never talked to walking down the street. I heard what they said but I was so shocked I replied, “What did you say?” Again, I heard, “Do you need some help?” Overwhelmed with complete surprise and gratitude, I told them I would really appreciate it. Immediately, they both took over and threw the remaining bags around the bed. I graciously thanked them both and heard, “Your welcome” as they continued on their way.
When they walked away, all I could think of was “In a world with “Karens,” I met some ‘Sams’.” Call them what you may but these young strangers added a little bit of kindness and concern to my world. These two kids saw someone in need and reached out. That’s how we can upturn this downward spiral. Be a “Sam.” Add some kindness and concern for others back into the community by helping someone, even a stranger, in need.