I’m pumping gas. I’m wearing a mask because I put it on to use the restroom and didn’t take it off.
I forgot it was even there.
The man at next pump looks over and asks, “Why are you wearing a mask?”
He sounds aggressive. No curiosity in his tone. More of a challenge.
So many responses run through my mind. Good ones, too. Sharp, biting retorts. Amusing barbs. But keeping Elysha in mind, and specifically her request that I avoid conflicts with strangers, the response I choose is this:
“I’m trying to trigger thin-skinned snowflakes.”
Please note:
I didn’t call the man a thin-skinned snowflake. I merely stated that I was wearing the mask to trigger people who fit that description. If he felt triggered, that was on him.
I thought it was a fairly diplomatic response.
I also didn’t start this. He engaged me.
The man stares at me for a long second. I assume he’s trying to figure out if I just called him a thin-skinned snowflake.
Had he dared to ask, I would’ve said, “Only if my mask triggered you.”
Sadly, he returns his gaze to the pump.
When I’m back in my car, I describe the encounter to Elysha via text message.
Her response:
“Please try not to get punched or worse.”
I’m surprised. I text back:
“I thought my response was good. Didn’t actually call him a name. I left it up to him. I thought you’d be happy.”
Her response:
“I’m happy.”
I don’t believe her.
She later confirms that this assumption was correct.
Still, I think this was a considerable improvement from what I might’ve said even six months ago.
