In the middle of reading a self help book recommended to me by its author, I resolved to become a better human being. "I must not bash people" I decided, "no matter how much fun it is." Really, we are all social creatures with fragile egos. Why do I take such satisfaction in tarnishing the life others have so carefully constructed for themselves with my judgement and belittling? Of what benefit is it to me or anyone else when I rub an individuals face in their personal or professional short comings? Or, almost equally as bad, when I bash behind their back? In fact, I postulate that it actually makes me less in some cosmic sense.
Pretty good, right?! Yeah, that lasted about two days. Now as much as I would love to resist. I must bash. MUST.
I went to a local toastmasters meeting where I happened to sit in the seat next to a man who introduced himself as the "club mentor". As the meeting continued, I eventually realized that there was no official role of "club mentor". We conversed during breaks when he told me he had a work life that spanned forty years which doing the math....he should be in his early to mid sixties.
The next day he sent an email welcoming me and another new comer to toastmasters(although I didnt see the other new comer's email in the header). I thanked the Mentor and told him I enjoyed myself and that I would be back but wanted to try out different clubs to see which would be the best fit. The next message came:
I am glad you had a good time. I would like to see you again, so, could I take you to dinner,coffee/tea? Your convenience... lol
He could have flirted to see if I was interested....he could have asked in person........he could have ended the email with something like "sincerely" instead of "lol"?????? Seriously?! Normally I would have been flattered, but I dont think anyone has asked me out than "laughed out loud" since I was thirteen. I was tempted to write back, "no. lol."
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