Weaponized Kindness

 Happy (belated) Mother's Day to all Moms, Dads and individuals who fill the role for a child. 

This weekend was busy and productive but also fun and memorable. On Friday Robby and I headed to set up our little booth at the Renaissance Faire. Because the host location is 90 minutes from our house, we decided to make an adventure out of the opportunity by booking a hotel room and staying in the area for the night. It took us about two hours to set up, allowing us ample time to check into our hotel and hit the local Waffle House for a carb-heavy dinner. On Saturday morning we were able to sleep in a little before heading to the Faire.

We were looking forward to the Renaissance Faire. Dressed in our medieval costumes, we were excited to experience the event and sell some dragons. Our happy-go-lucky optimism was soiled by our neighbor almost as soon as we arrived.  

Without even an introduction, a large man walked out of the adjoining tent, stood with his arms crossed and said, "What do you think you're doing?"  I met him with a smile and tried to shake his hand (he never uncrossed his arms) before introducing myself, Robby and our little FlexyFriend business.  Without a visual cue, he simplye responded by saying, "Well this isn't going to work at all. I'm going to get Angie."  (Angie is the event coordinator for the event.)

If there is one trait that annoys me perhaps more than all others, it is the chronic tattler. The individual who responds to any conflict by immediately elevating to a supervisor or a perceived authority figure. Perhaps they did not have the art of conversation back in the medieval times? 

As soon as he declared his intention to call in the coordinator I felt my ire rise. I don't tolerate tattling among my children. Witnessing it from a grown man was infuriating.  At that moment in time I was able to check my reaction. I remembered that I was with Robby and that this was a teachable moment. I took a deep breath and responded.

"Why don't you just talk to me first? If you tell me the problem maybe we can work it out. Just tell me the issue."

He was obviously taken aback by my retort. I think he is accustomed to hiding behind somebody else rather than deal with an issue- and an individually- directly. He muttered something about wanting our table pushed back a few feet, to which I responded that it wasn't an issue. Robby and I immediately set to work to reset our display to accommodate his request while he stood and watched. 

I don't like being supervised by a pro-tattler. I took advantage of our uninvited audience by having a discussion with Robby about the benefits of adult discussions verses running to tattle. He hid inside his tent for the remainder of the day, emerging on occasion to cast a glare towards us. I always met his eyes with a huge smile and a nod hello. 

Sometimes weaponized kindness just feels really satisfying!