Why do people have arguments in public?
Yesterday afternoon I walked into one of my doctor's waiting room. I checked in for my appointment and grabbed a seat. I picked up my book and started to read when I heard some voices from across the room. At first they were soft, but then the volume increased. I looked over and a man was getting up from his seat. As his voice became louder, his body movement became more animated. The woman he was with was trying to remain calm...unsuccessfully.
They were having an argument. In public!
You'd assume a doctor's office would be a safe space....a quiet room. I'm guessing that's what the other ten people watching were assuming, too. That's what we get for assuming.
I see scenes like this more often than you would imagine. It usually happens on public transportation. I always wonder why people feel a need to air their dirty laundry in front of strangers? Why can't they wait until they get home or at least somewhere more private? I never can find a satisfactory answer. Although, if you're somewhere with a group of people you are not likely to ever see again, you really don't care what they think, so why not let those emotions go.
There does seem to be a common theme to these arguments. They seem to be about two topics....money and relationships. Often it's both. I've lost track of the amount of times I've heard someone on a train, yelling into his phone, complaining about sex. When this happens, you have two choices. You can put on your earbuds and turn up the sound or you can listen. I've done both. Hey, it's entertainment.
Yesterday's topic was money. I kept hearing the words "she's going to pay me back" and "I want my one hundred and twenty-five dollars!" Hmmm....I guess we all have our breaking points. His was $125!
They were still going at it when I was called in to see my doctor. When I told her about it, she said "this isn't the bus." Looks like she's been on her share of public transportation, too.
When my appointment was over, they were no longer in the waiting room. Apparently, they settled their differences and went on their way. I jumped on a bus and headed home. No issues other than a detour due to road closures. Phew!
In a few minutes I'm getting ready to head out for another doctor's appointment. Another bus, another waiting room. Wish me luck! One thought is still on my mind.....do you think he got his $125?
Related Post: This is why people hate Public Transportation
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