Something Must Be in the Water

Lately, it feels like everyone’s running around with a short fuse and a coffee habit that’s three cups too deep. People are edgy. Not in the cool, avant-garde way—just snappish, impatient, a little frayed around the edges. But that’s not even the problem. We all have our moments; even the Dalai Lama probably once yelled at a printer.

The real issue is that some people—too many people—seem to have completely forgotten that their words and actions have consequences. And no, I’m not talking about the kind of consequences that come from a spectacular breakup or a melodramatic divorce where someone ends up crying in a car, listening to Adele. We all get a pass for falling apart during the Big Life Stuff. In fact, the human condition practically requires it. There should be a law that during any major emotional event, you’re legally allowed to make a scene as long as no one live-streams it.

But set aside the heartbreak and the heavy drama. I’m talking about the small stuff. The micro-moments. The tiny moments that add up. The way we treat the bank teller who doesn’t immediately understand our overly complicated check deposit. The grocery clerk who has never heard of ghee and doesn’t care where it’s shelved. The friend who’s baffled you turned left instead of right, like that detour says something about your entire personality. The clients who can’t see anything but their own point of view. A sigh. A curt tone. An eye roll that could win a medal. These small acts can flatten someone’s spirit—or worse, stick with them long after the moment’s passed.

Lately, I’ve been making myself hit pause at the end of the day and rewind the tape. Mentally, of course. It’s not always flattering. But there it is—the moment I was a little too sharp, a little too impatient, a little too… much.

So I’m inviting you to try it, too. Just a few minutes at night. A private, no-judgment playback. You might find a version of yourself that could use a touch more kindness. Or at the very least, fewer eye rolls.