Monday, April 25, 2016

More Empathy, Less Anger and More Love

Standing at the back of the long queue of the only ATM machine in sight, under the hot afternoon heat, waiting for an Indian Uncle who is struggling to make a transfer is not a nice feeling. It is easy to get impatient and frustrated. In fact, Uncle took so long that he is embarassed and went to join the back of the queue.
In situation like this, it will be good to exercise some empathy and understanding. Even before the new interface for POSB ATM machine was launched, some less tech savvy folks may find it difficult to navigate, esp. for more complicated transaction like funds transfer. Before we got angry by why someone was hogging the machine, maybe we could try to understand what he was going through.
I took the opportunity to offer him my help and while we were going through the steps, I see that he was drenched in sweat due to the heat. It is likely he was as frustrated as those behind him. When the transaction was finally completed (myself key in the wrong account number for him once), we both left the place happy, Uncle was grateful for my help and I was happy to be of service.
Isn't this better than me leaving the place bearing a grudge or feeling negative about the whole experience? Also, what better way to promote racial harmony by giving kindness to friends of different race?

No comments:

Post a Comment