I can be moody. I don’t like this fact about myself, but it’s the ugly truth. I often wish I was given a more laid back personality. It would pre-empt so many problems (or at least the way I perceive those problems). The fact of the matter is that I require a lot of sleep, I’m prone to low blood sugar, I’m tightly wound, and I have a lot of sensory issues that make me sensitive (and then irritable) to smells, sounds, textures, etc. I need to be well-fed, rested, not too hot or cold, and hormonally balanced to be at my best. So yeah, a lot of the time you can just call me Ms. Grumpypants. Grumpopotamus. Groucho Grouchy. Grouchalotatus.
So the other day, I was waiting to buy two items at the only checkout line available at the store. There were about five people in front of me, all with overflowing carts, and a few with misbehaving children. I didn’t blame them. I felt like misbehaving myself. I was overly hot in my winter coat. When we had to wait even longer for a price check, I too wanted to start throwing candybars on the floor in protestation like the toddler in the cart in front of me.
When it was finally my turn to pay I didn’t make eye contact with the cashier. I was grouchy. I didn’t feel like being nice and making silly small talk. I just wanted to pay for these things and get. out. of. the. store! I ran my card through the slider and grabbed my bag. The cashier said to me in an excited voice, “Oh, Elizabeth Hunter! How fantastic! Can I have your autograph right here,” pointing to the signature pad. I laughed out loud. The line was delivered perfectly without too much sarcasm and just enough playfulness and glint-in-the-eye to make you feel both special and silly. My mood lifted and I felt guilty for my rudeness. It was an excellent reminder to me to never underestimate the power of a few cleverly spoken words. They can completely turn someone’s day around. I know they did for me!
As a reminder to get over myself when I’m feeling tired and irritable, I made myself a little poster. I thought a few of you might like one too! You can download a full-sized copy here:Â cleverly spoken wordsÂ
Go forth and speak some clever words! You might just cheer the Grouch right out of them!
Jacque says
I need to memorize this!!!
david says
Oh I totally hear you and appreciate your candor – esp in the blog-world where everything seems so….rosey…all the time.
I am the master of moodiness but always so appreciative when someone bumps me out of a mood like that. Cheers to the cashier and cheers to you for going with it.
Kathy Roloff says
Your story truly did make me laugh out loud. I am a gemini and have two distinct personalities. One is very high maintenance and the other is patient and cheerful. I have a number of gemini friends who understand this. It keeps life interesting, because you never know who you are going to get.
Rene @thedomesticlady says
This is so great and so true! I am printing this for my office. I am a witty person but sometimes the grump takes over.
Marie B. says
I used to be one of those cashiers and believe me, it works everytime! I also have a yellow, mellow hubby and I thank God for him…..otherwise it would be World War 3 if he were like me! Your honesty is refreshing….most of us grumppies tend to blame either the situation or other person! Thank you for sharing!
Beth says
Oh no, I will always take responsibility for my bad behavior. I just wish it didn’t ever exist! My hubs is incredibly laid back as well and handles me and my moodiness beautifully. Thank you for being one of those cashiers! I am sure you brightened so many people’s days just by taking their rudeness in stride!
Abbey says
Being moody is one of my greatest challenges so I can so relate to your story (minus the whole autograph asking part, of course!) Thanks for sharing this!
Jan says
Boy I needed this today! I woke up in the worst mood and you just made me smile!! Thanks!! My mood has now changed thanks to you. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl says
Love your printable. And the story to go with it…priceless. Who among us hasn’t been in the exact same position and didn’t want to be cheery ;-).
karen sunday says
HI,Elizabeth Ha funny that is my daughter’s name and we are both what I call overly sensitive but I guess that makes me appreciate my husband who is so mellow I sometimes wish God gave me more coping skills but then I wouldn’t be me? I love your blog and thank you for your honesty it’s nice to know I am not alone. sincerely,Karen
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
LOL! I love this so much, I think because a) I’m your sister & b) who of us hasn’t been in that exact situation and then humbled to our knees for our attitudes…. (both hands raised up in shameful admittance). 😉
Michelle says
I love this. I’m going to print it for home office and work office!
~RED