Have you ever had a friend or relative catch you totally off-guard with uncharacteristic behaviour? What do you do when that happens? Do you act naturally or try to think on your feet to evaluate what's come over them?
Last night, I had such an experience. I'm sure you'll understand my vagueness in describing it, but it proved to me that those you've know the longest are indeed the ones most capable of surprising you. It was an emotional outburst - not toward me, but in a group situation and as I sat there I was utterly stunned. After my friend left I told the others, "I don't know what to say," and I really didn't (though I added that I wasn't taking sides). However, I do also feel both sides were at fault; I just didn't know how to intervene, or if I should.
Luckily, it was at least in a private setting and to be fair to both parties, had it been in a public one they both might've acted differently. But what's the right thing for witnesses to do? I tried ringing my friend afterwards for a chat, and I had my concern compounded when I couldn't reach them, though they soon returned the call, and we had a very helpful talk.
How much grey area really is there between shock and surprise? Does it just come down to how you interpret the event: witnessing a crime, or getting a random gift for example? Should those sensations influence your reaction? This incident was the most unexpected, uncharacteristic thing I've experienced in quite awhile. And I'm happy with how I handled it overall, though the shock remains fresh. How long would or does it linger for you? How would you react in a similar situation?
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