Carrie B.
If you’re reading this, there is more to the story.
I can still hear the aggressive “HONK! HONK!” coming from the silver Town & Country while I anxiously waited for a break in the roundabout on Greenwood Drive. My frustration grew, and tears welled up in my eyes as the car inched closer and closer to my bumper. Driving in South Carolina summer beach traffic does not mix well with an emotional, disappointed, and anxiety-ridden version of me.
If only that angry minivan had known that I was having one of the hardest days, weeks–months honestly– that I’ve had in a while. If only they had known that I knew people who were in devastating car accidents, and experienced my share of near-collisions myself. If only they had known…
But there was no way for them to know.
There was no way for this impatient beachgoer, traveling from out of state, to know that their honking was sending me into a spiral.
Maybe they weren’t impatient— but just eager to get home. Maybe their vacation had fallen short of their expectations this week. Maybe…
Maybe there was more to their story that day— just like there was more to mine than being hesitant to pull into heavy traffic.
The truth is, there is always more to the story. Whether it is a harsh reaction from a stranger in traffic, a poorly timed comment from a friend, or a facial expression that rubs you the wrong way, it is unlikely that their words or actions are directed at you. More often, they reflect something deeper going on in their lives. Likewise, remember that they do not know your past, your insecurities, or what parts of you are still healing.
In these situations, let it serve as a reminder (and I more than anyone need this reminder) to have grace for those you cross paths with. Whether you know them well or not at all, there is always more to their story than what meets the eye. Do not underestimate the power of a kind response to someone under stress. When you feel mistreated or hurt by the responses of others, take a breath and extend patience. We are all learning how to be better friends, neighbors, and citizens, and that requires a lot of patience and grace.
So— take a breath and do what you can to be a bright spot in somebody’s story today. I’m willing to bet that it might add some joy to yours too.
Carrie B., Clemson University
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