In the last couple-three years, I have been trying really hard to walk in peace and it’s the most difficult endeavor I’ve ever undertaken. I am extremely compassionate toward/protective of those I see as underdogs. A few weeks ago I had the epiphany that people who are actively rude are likely emotional underdogs (lack of self-esteem or suffering insecurities, etc.) and that makes it somewhat easier to be patient.

As an aside, your exchange with this man brings to mind conversations I had with my eldest son when he was younger. I spent a lot of time trying to help him find empowerment and peace where his TS was concerned, and one thing I told him on several occasions was, “Look, in the big scheme of things, you have it pretty great. Your tics have settled into a place where they no longer rule your life even though they are still sometimes pretty noticeable. You have an opportunity here: You can be an ambassador, because the person standing in front of you confused or asking questions or behaving ignorantly might one day run across someone whose TS is far more life-affecting than your own. If you take just a few minutes of your day to just educate them even a little bit, they might treat that next Touretter with more understanding and respect than they otherwise might have.” It took him a while to get that, but it was the one time in my life that I didn’t mind repeating something to one of my kids ad nauseum. >:o)

This is my first posting here but I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now and love it. It’s very inspiring to see people overcoming obstacles in their lives.

I used to work customer service and it was amazing how absolutely rude people could be. There are two instances (though I had MANY more) that stand out to me. First, was a guy who got severely ticked over the fact that a light bulb was in the wrong bin and he wasn’t getting it for the price that was on that bin. He stormed out. My manager noticed a $100 bill on my register – it was his. I ran out after him yelling, “Sir! Sir!” and finally a rather pissed sounding “SIR!!” He whipped around with a “WHAT!” and I calmly held out his money and said, “You’re $100 bill?” He shrank considerably. The second was when I worked the returns desk. I had a customer who was belligerent over his return and nothing I did satisfied him. Finally, we get him taken care of and he leaves. The lady behind him came up, put her hands over mine on the counter and calmly said, “It’s okay. I’m not in any hurry.” I cried. And it’s because of that job that I now try to be more understanding with other customer service people and people in general – I’ve been there and know what it’s like. Am I always nice and courteous. No. But I try!

Thanks for your stories.
-Elizabeth